PORT Stephens residents Colin Edwards, Ronald Swan and Len Graff are among this year’s Australia Day honours.
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Colin Edwards, Nelson Bay, receives the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to veterans and their families.
He’s a life member of the Returned and Services League of Australia that includes service to the Nelson Bay Sub-Branch since 2001. He was also director of Nelson Bay Diggers from 2002-2006 and 2008-2009.
Since 2006 Mr Edwards has also been a pensions advocate, Commonwealth Department of Veteran Affairs.
A Justice of the Peace since 2005, he was also a member of Nelson Bay Rotary (2001-2013) and Probus since 2013.
Len Graff, Nelson Bay, earns his OAM for service to sports administration and to the community.
His service includes treasurer, Regional Academies of Sport NSW, since 2011 and Western Region Academy of Sport Delegate, since 2008. Mr Graff was Western Region Academy of Sport director (1994-2004) and has been a life member since 2004.
In addition Mr Graff was a board member of Harness Racing NSW (1994-1999), and a Harness Racing NSW Representative. In addition, he was board member of the NSW TAB.
Ronald Swan, Nelson Bay, is recognised for his service to local government and the community of Port Stephens, with the OAM.
Mr Swan was the mayor of Port Stephens (2006-2008), deputy mayor (2004-2006) and councillor (1999-2008).
As part of his service to the community he founded the Clans on the Coast Celtic Festival in 2008. The medal also recognises his Port Stephens Celtic Association presidency.
He has also raised funds for the Cancer Appeal, Nadow, Red Cross, the Rescue Helicopter Service, Nelson Bay Polyclinic and the Police Citizens Youth Club.
The Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), has approved 958 awards to be announced in the Australia Day 2017 Honours List.
The Australia Day 2017 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community work, Australia’s Defence Force and Emergency Services.
“To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation,” the Governor-General said.
“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system.
“Since 1975 these awards have helped to define, encourage and reinforce Australian goals and values. They identify role models who give without thought of recognition or personal gain.
“Today’s recipients now join the company of almost 50,000 women and men whose meritorious and brave actions have enriched our community and our lives. Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us.
“For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians. Today, we add a new group of names to those we should all admire.
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank them for their contributions. We are a stronger, safer and more caring nation because of them.”
Also on the Honours List are 727 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia.