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Retired Chief Commissioner John Beresford receives OAM

A very big Congratulations to our Retired Chief Commissioner & Chairman of Everyman’s Board John Beresford for the honour of receiving an Australia Day 2017 OAM

MEDIA RELEASE¬¬

The Australia Day 2017 Honours List

The Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), has approved 958 awards to be announced today in the Australia Day 2017 Honours List.

The Australia Day 2017 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community work, Australia’s Defence Force and Emergency Services.

“To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation,” the Governor-General said.

“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system.

“Since 1975 these awards have helped to define, encourage and reinforce Australian goals and values. They identify role models who give without thought of recognition or personal gain.

“Today’s recipients now join the company of almost 50,000 women and men whose meritorious and brave actions have enriched our community and our lives. Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us.

“For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians. Today, we add a new group of names to those we should all admire.

“On behalf of all Australians, I thank them for their contributions. We are a stronger, safer and more caring nation because of them.”

Included in the Australia Day Honours List are 727 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia who have been recognised for contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.

Chair of the Council of the Order of Australia, Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Retd) said the awards recognise service across a broad range of fields.

“They are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity,” Sir Angus said.

“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.

“All Australians are encouraged to nominate fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of others for national recognition in the Honours List.”