Four Canowindra residents were among the 845 Australians to be recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours List, which Governer-General David Hurley announced on Monday.
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Mark and Anne Ward, Geoffrey Beath and David O'Dea were all awarded Order of Australia Medals (OAM) for their services to the community of Canowindra, with the latter also recognised for his services to the wine industry as well.
They were among the 571 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, while 28 more were awarded in the Military Division along with 176 meritorious awards and 70 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards.
Mr Ward was recognised for his years of service to Lyndon House, Canowindra Showground and Land Managers, Raising for the Read Triplets Inc, St Edward's Catholic Church, Canowindra squash and jockey clubs and his efforts as a volunteer firefighter.
The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation's greatest strength - its people.
- Governer-General David Hurley
Mrs Ward was recognised for her dedication to Canowindra Garden Club, Raising for the Read Triplets Inc, St Edward's Catholic Church, Canowindra Swimming Club and Canowindra Pre-School, along with a host of other charities.
For the Wards, the recognition comes after being named Canowindra's Citizens of the Year during the 2020 Australia Day celebrations.
Mr Beath was recognised for his work with Canowindra Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association, Canowindra Showground and Land Managers, Canowindra Heath Council, NSW Rural Fire Service and Canowindra Rugby Union Club, among others.
Along with his extensive and groundbreaking service to the wine community, Mr O'Dea was recognised for his work with Lyndon House, Cowra and Canowindra rugby union clubs, St Edward's Parish Council and the Canowindra Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association.
"On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate everyone recognised in the Australia Day Honours list," the Governor-General said.
"The individuals we celebrate come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable. They're diverse and unique but there are some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication.
"The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation's greatest strength - its people."
He went on to stress the important of all Australians continuing to look to the Order of Australia as a way to acknowledging the outstanding work and efforts of people in their own communities.
"I am determined to make sure that the Order of Australia reflects the diversity and breadth of our community. More needs to be done to achieve gender parity and increase diversity in other areas," he said.
"Over the last 12 months I've initiated various initiatives in this regard to encourage people and organisations to nominate individuals they think are worthy.
"The Order of Australia belongs to all Australians - my strong message to the community is that if you know someone that is worthy, take the time to nominate them. People cannot be recognised if they're not nominated and that has to be driven from the community.
"It is a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate achievement, service and contribution to community."
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