As edited from the original on 28 January 2024
Australia Day Ambassador and surf lifesaving volunteer Doug Hawkins will join the Narrandera Shire community and offer inspiration and share his optimistic messages and stories.
For 23 years, Doug has been a proud surf-lifesaving volunteer whose visionary approach has helped Coogee SLSC and other NSW Clubs implement inclusive training programs and as a result increasing youth, community, and member engagement.
He was also instrumental in taking surf lifesaving overseas, to Israel, India, Thailand, Dubai, and the Cook Islands and has helped set up their lifesaving clubs, sharing valuable CPR and water rescue skills that have helped save countless people from drowning.
Drawing inspiration from its ambassadors, the Narrandera Shire community is encouraged to make a difference this Australia Day by supporting community businesses. Simple efforts such as arranging restaurant/cafe bookings or buying locally made products will boost the Australia Day spirit,” Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka said.
Australia Day 2024 Honours List revealed tomorrow
The Governor-General has announced Honours and Awards for 1,042 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
The Australia Day honours list will be revealed tomorrow (Australia Day) and at least one Narrandera resident is on that list, which is embargoed until tomorrow.
“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised. Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities,” the Governor-General said.
“Recipients come from all parts of the country. They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse. We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and celebrate them.
“To each recipient: know that you have the thanks and respect of your nation. In my experience most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”
For the second consecutive Honours list the majority of recipients in the General Division are women.
In addition to the 739 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (4 AC, 38 AO, 194 AM and 503 OAM), the Honours list includes:
- 20 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (1 AO, 9 AM and 10 OAM)
- 224 Meritorious awards
- 59 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
This list also includes 49 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These individuals will also be included in an ongoing and permanent Covid-19 Honour roll.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 25 January 2024.
Corrections edited 28 January 2024.
