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West Australian
10-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Former Royal Agricultural Society of WA president honoured with OAM in King's 2025 Birthday Honours
Recent Medal of the Order of Australia recipient David Thomas is humble about his recognition, saying he never expected to have been named in the national honours. The former president of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA said he was 'a bit taken aback' when he found out he had been awarded an OAM for his service to the WA community through a variety of organisations on June 9. 'Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would ever be put up for an OAM, or be nominated or receive one for that matter,' he said. He said since finding out about his award on Sunday night his phone has been flooded with texts and phone calls from well-wishers congratulating him. Mr Thomas said he did not know who nominated him, but said the nomination was 'humbling'. 'It's very humbling, and I must admit, it's an extreme honour,' he said. '. . . You think that you would never, ever be considered in that stream.' Mr Thomas was president of RASWA from July 2020 until 2023, when he handed the reigns to John Snowball. He has also served as Australian Special Air services Association WA president, Claremont RSL sub-branch president, Boer War Memorial Society of WA, Pilbara Community Legal Service board member, secretary, and vice-chairperson, Floreat and District National Seniors vice president, RSLWA board member, and Hollywood Private Hospital consumer council. Mr Thomas served 20 years in the Australian Army and about 10 years in the Special Air Service Regiment.
The Advertiser
08-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Retired cop Gordon Gorton receives OAM in King's Birthday Honours
From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said.
West Australian
08-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Eucla community servant receives award in King's Birthday Honours
Eucla's long-serving volunteer fire brigade captain is among those recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours. Simone Conklin has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. The award citation said Mrs Conklin had been involved in emergency services since 1994 and been the captain of Eucla Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service since 2010. Located in one of the most remote areas of WA, on the border with South Australia, Eucla VFES covers 550km of the Eyre Highway, responding to a range of emergencies that include aircraft and road crashes, bushfires, hazardous material spills, and structural fires. Mrs Conklin has attended more than 98 per cent of incidents since 2014, with the isolation of the area meaning she often handled critical incidents with minimal support, frequently being the sole responder for hours until help arrives from distant brigades. 'She has shown outstanding leadership, decision-making and calmness under pressure in numerous emergency situations,' the citation said. 'One example (was) a truck fire at Border Village in 2021, which put the roadhouse at serious risk due to the proximity of the fire to the fuel bowsers, increasing the potential for explosion. 'Mrs Conklin's actions in isolating the area and ensuring that those present were kept at a safe distance, as well as leading her crew in extinguishing the blaze, saved the roadhouse and ensured everyone was unharmed.' The citation said she had also responded to serious road and aircraft crashes in both WA and South Australia which involved casualties with serious, life-threatening injuries who required airlifting. 'In addition to responding to incidents, Mrs Conklin was involved in securing funding for Eucla's airstrip upgrade, which plays a vital role for emergency services and the community,' the citation said. 'Mrs Conklin's dedication sees her constantly seeking ways to improve and increase public awareness. 'In 2023 she consulted with the Eucla community, Eucla police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on a suitable evacuation plan for the town. 'This has now led to discussions with the SA Country Fire Service for them to develop evacuation plans for Border Village as well.' Several people who served part of their careers or community service in the Goldfields-Esperance were also recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. Those who received a Medal of the Order of Australia included Esperance Museum co-founder and Esperance Bay Historical Society co-founder and life member Marjorie Barker, Kalgoorlie Golf Club life member and Inner Wheel Club member Lorraine Winchcomb, and Roy Dowsett, who served with the Kalgoorlie Scouts in 1962-64. Senior Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer Ian Tullock, who served at Kalgoorlie police station from 2018-22, received an Australian Police Medal for a career of nearly 50 years, as did Det-Sen. Sgt Gregory McDonald, who served in the Goldfields during a career that spanned more than 40 years. Anthony Dodd, who served as a volunteer firefighter in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Kambalda during his career of more than 40 years, received an Australian Fire Service Medal.
West Australian
08-06-2025
- West Australian
King's Birthday Honours: Robin Cohen recognised for service to Perth's Jewish community
Many people are completely unaware of the work done behind the scenes by Perth's Community Services Group, which is dedicated to protecting the Jewish community. And director Robin Cohen would rather keep it that way — even though it is his efforts to nurture the CSG for the past 30 years which have thrust it into the spotlight. Mr Cohen has been recognised on this year's King's Birthday Honours list with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Jewish community of Perth. News of his nomination came as such a surprise that he almost deleted the email, assuming it was spam. 'I was quite surprised, stunned when I got the email from the Governor General's department,' he said. The CSG provides a security service to members of the Jewish community in Perth, including security guards at venues and functions. While it was unfortunate the community had to resort to setting up its own security systems, Mr Cohen said it provided a measure of comfort. 'We know our community, and we have a vested interest in looking after it,' he said. 'And that's not taking anything away from WA Police, who we have an awesome working relationship with.' Over the years, the CSG had become more than just a security organisation . During COVID-19 lockdowns it organised volunteers to help older people who could not leave their homes by delivering packages or doing their shopping. Mr Cohen said demand for its security services has leapt in recent months, coinciding with a massive surge in anti-Semitic incidents. Figures from the latest report by the Executive Council for Australian Jewry shows that WA reported 116 instances of anti-Semitism in WA between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, up from just 25 the previous year. Perth incidents reported during that time included a physical assault and verbal abuse of an identifiably Jewish boy who was called a 'dirty Jew' and slapped in the face by a group of youths in Osborne Park. Other instances included verbal abuse and graffiti of swastikas and offensive statements. Mr Cohen said that since he first joined the CSG as a volunteer in 1992, before taking over its operations in 1996, it had grown from a small group to a large, professional operation. 'It constantly amazes me how it's developed,' he said. While the group has a number of paid employees as well as volunteers, Mr Cohen's time is 100 per cent donated, on top of his day job as a finance broker. He has also served as a member of the Jewish Community Council of WA and chaired the Perth Jewish Community Critical Incident Response Initiative. 'It's just the way I was brought up,' he said of his voluntary service. 'If it wasn't this it would have been something else — I'm very community-focused.'
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Reconciliation Week: Significant strides made in the South West but ‘long way to go' still
A Noongar woman with more than 25 years experience in the First Nations health sector says there's still 'a long way to go' in the South West on the path towards reconciliation, despite significant improvements over the years. Auntie Elsie Penny, OAM, has worked at the South West Aboriginal Medical Service since 1997, and is the cultural practice lead at Kwaba Bidi. In 2021, Ms Penny was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her commitment to Indigenous health. Despite the strides made in recent years, this Reconciliation Week Ms Penny said there was more to be done. 'We are getting there, we've still got a long way to go,' she said. 'On a personal level, having worked in Aboriginal health for over 30 years in Bunbury, I can see there's been some good achievements. 'The opening of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service and other Aboriginal-controlled organisations which are doing their part towards reconciliation and closing the gap by delivering services that are important for our people and making a difference.' Ms Penny said there were more Indigenous Australians working at SWAMS than ever before, making up roughly 50 per cent of their staff. However, she said there was ultimately a 'funding issue' for Aboriginal health services not receiving equivalent levels of support as mainstream providers. She also said connections with hospitals should be strengthened to ensure clients 'aren't falling through the cracks', while also improving youth mental health services and early intervention and healing programs. National Reconciliation Week — from May 27 to June 3 — is an important time for Australians to learn about First Nations' history, culture and achievements,' Ms Penny said. 'It's about acknowledging the past and walking together in the future,' she said. The theme of this year's event is Bridging Now to Next. 'It's a call to all Australians to reflect, listen and act, so that we can build a future based on respect, truth telling and genuine connection between First Nations and non-Indigenous people,' Ms Penny said. '(It's about) recognising the truths of our past and being honest about where we are now, and committing to where we want to be as a nation.' Earlier in the week, the State Government announced survivors of the Stolen Generations in WA would be compensated through a redress scheme which offered payments of up to $85,000 each. Ms Penny said it was 'something', but would never make up for 'the hurt and loss' endured by affected families which 'can never be undone'. 'It'll never make up for all the loss they've had — the families, the kinship connections, their culture, their country. They can never, ever go back to that.' The City of Bunbury announced on Tuesday the annual Bunbury Walk for Reconciliation had been postponed until October or November due to poor weather forecasts.
