Australia Day honours

On January 26, the Governor-General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Chancellor of the Order of Australia, announced awards in the Australia Day 2013 Honours List, including many members of the Uniting Church in Australia.
From the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, the Rev. Prof. James Haire was appointed Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the community through international leadership in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, the promotion of religious reconciliation, inclusion and peace, and as a theologian.

The Rev. Harry Herbert was appointed as a member (AM) of the of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through leadership and advocacy roles in the area of social justice and welfare.
Among those awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) were Alan Harper (for service to education), the late Peter Middleton (for service to music and to the community) and Wendy Simpson (for service to the community through a range of women’s and youth organisations).

Juliana Nkrumah, a Uniting Church member and member of the Synod’s multicultural ministry group, was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the community, particularly the welfare of women and refugees.

“These awards are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity,” said Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chair of the Council of the Order said the diversity of service across all fields of endeavour had been celebrated. “By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models. The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulation.  These awards also recognise the ‘quiet achievers’ in our midst. They are people who serve the community, but do not seek accolades.”

Read more: interview with Professor James Haire.