Four Eurobodalla citizens recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours 2021

The Queen's Birthday Honours for 2021 are appointments by some of the 16 Commonwealth realms of Queen Elizabeth II to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of those countries. The Governor-General, David Hurley, today announced The Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List, recognising 1,190 Australians.

Included in the list are:

- 947 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (5 AC, 50 AO, 252 AM and 640 OAM)

- 33 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (1 AO, 14 AM and 18 OAM)

- 139 meritorious awards

- 71 Gallantry, Distinguished and Conspicuous awards

“On behalf of all Australians, congratulations to all recipients. Each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated,” the Governor-General said.

“Collectively, they speak to who we are as a nation. There are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication. There is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.

“I am pleased that this list includes the highest ever percentage of women (44 per cent) recognised through the General Division of the Order of Australia. It is important that the Order of Australia represents the diversity and strength of Australia – for this to happen we need to ensure outstanding women, members of our multicultural community and First Nations people are nominated by their peers in the community. I am prioritising increasing awareness of and engagement with the Order of Australia amongst groups that have been historically underrepresented. We are seeing positive progress and I am determined that it continues.”

“To the individuals being recognised today, many of whom Linda and I look forward to meeting over the coming year, thank you for your service and congratulations on being recognised by your peers and your nation.

“To all Australians, I encourage you to consider nominating someone outstanding from your community for recognition. The great strength of our system is that it is ‘bottom-up’ – everyone recognised through the Order of Australia has been nominated by someone else, considered through an independent process and, today, celebrated by our nation.”

This list also includes 63 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals, recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, Meritorious Awards and Military Awards will also be included in an ongoing and permanent COVID-19 Honour roll. AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM) Chief Inspector Gregory John FLOOD,

Chief Inspector Gregory Flood joined the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1990 as a Probationary Constable, commencing general duties at Cabramatta Police Station in the Blacktown in the Blacktown Police District, later transferring to Brewarrina in the Bourke Patrol between 1994 and 1997.

In 1997 he transferred to the Moruya Police Station in the Monaro District where he continues his long and distinguished career as an operational police officer. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2002 as a team leader at Moruya, and transferred to the Camden Local Area Command in 2007.

In 2008 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector, and began his role as a Duty Officer. In 2010 he returned to the Eurobodalla continuing his career as an Inspector in the then Far South Coast Local Area Command and, more recently, as the Officer in Charge of the Batemans Bay Sector in the now South Coast Police District.

His leadership capabilities have been evident and recognised following his response to the Tathra Bushfires in 2018 when provided vital assistance in the emergency evacuation of the residents and support to the combat agency.

He is also recognised for his leadership and professionalism during the 2019-2020 South Coast fires as the local Emergency Operations Controller. He coordinated the police response to the Currowan and Clyde Mountain fires, resulting in the management of multiple emergency services, evacuation of town residents, coordination of road closures, and simultaneously dealing with public unrest and looting in the Batemans Bay area.

Chief Inspector Flood is a highly regarded and well respected police officer within the NSWPF, and across his community, and is recognised for his outstanding service for over 25 years.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Ms Julia McCONNEL, Moruya NSW 2537

For service to parachuting.

Australian Parachute Federation

• National Sport Development Manager, since 2019.

• Life Member.

Competition

• Bronze medal, World Parachute Championships, 2018.

• Silver Medal, World Championships, 2014.

• Bronze Medal, World Championships, 2012.

• Silver Medal, Dubai Cup, 2011.

• Silver Medal, World Championships, 2010.

• Silver Medal, World Games, 2009.

• Silver Medal, World Games Test Event, 2008.

• 4 x Gold in International Parachute Commission Web Challenge, 2008-2011.

• 6 x Gold in Asiania EMAX Canopy Formation, 2009-2014.

Awards and recognition include:

• World Records - 100 Way Canopy Formation - 2007, 36-way Canopy Formation - 2009, 44-way Canopy Formation - 2015 and 150 jumps in a day - 2012.

• International Skydiving Hall of Fame Path of Excellence Award for the 2007 World Record Canopy Formation, 2019.

• Honorary Life Member, Australian Parachute Federation, 2015.

• Future Fifty Award, Australian Parachute Federation 50th Anniversary, 2010.

• Tim Bates Award for Skydiver of the Year, 2009.
  

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Mrs Jennifer Myfanwy THOMPSON, Batemans Bay NSW 2536

For service to the community of Batemans Bay.

Clyde River and Batemans Bay Historical Society

• Honorary Curator, Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, current.

• Committee and Executive Team Member, current.

• Member, since 2007.

Museums and Galleries NSW

• Member, Standards Review Committee, since 2012.

Bay Theatre Players.

• Performer, Volunteer and Member, since 2006.

Awards and recognition include:

• Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, Canberra Area Theatre Awards, 2008 and 2017.
  

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

The late Mr Matthew William DEVESON

Formerly of NSW

For service to the community of Narooma.

Narooma and District Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

• Founding Member, since 2007.

• President.

• Vice-President.

• Founding Committee Member, Narooma Oyster Festival, since 2008.

Community Other

• Member, Eurobodalla Liquor Accord, current.

• Member, Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund, current.

• Former Member, Eurobodalla Tourism and Business Advisory Committee.

• Former Member, Eurobodalla Tourism Board.

Business

• Proprietor, Whale Motor Inn, since 2006.