WHAT do an artist, Olympian and pastor have in common? They're all proud to be Australian, and they're all recipients of Australia Day 2014 Honours.
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Of the 683 men and women recognised, nine Newcastle and Lake Macquarie locals made the list for excellence in their chosen fields and overall contributions to society.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce said the Australian honours elevated the concept of giving to others.
She said the honours recognised community values and celebrated what was unifying in Australian life.
Local honour recipients:
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
Edward George Atchinson, Charlestown, for service to the community of the Hunter Valley through service and sporting organisations.
Gael Davies, Newcastle, for service to the arts, and to the community.
Andrew John Dawes, Merewether, for service to athletics as a wheelchair track and road coach.
Iain Valjean Jensen, Newcastle, for service to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Nathan James Outteridge, Wangi Wangi, for service to sport at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Pastor Grahame Edward Pricter, Kahibah, for service to the Scouting movement, and to the Uniting Church.
Thomas David Slingsby, Point Frederick, for service to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Dennis Robert Trigg, Toronto, for service to the community of Lake Macquarie.
Member (AM) in the General Division
William John Storer, Charlestown, for significant service to visual arts, particularly through the development of regional and community museums.