Dentists, pharmacists, former councillors, and many others have been recognised across New England for their contributions to the community with awards within the Order Of Australia.
Armidale’s Dr John Moule has been made a Member of the Order for significant to service to dentistry as a clinician and academic, and to professional associations. His is the only AM granted in the region.
A former president of the International Association of Dental Traumatology, Dr Moule has worked as far afield as Kuwait, and has taught at the University of Queensland where he remains an Honorary Professor, and is an editorial board member of both the Australian Endodontic Journal and Dental Traumatology publications.
Walcha pharmacist, university lecturer, and 2022 NSW Premier’s Woman Of The Year Anna Barwick (pictured) received the Medal Of The Order Of Australia in the General Division for service to the pharmacy profession. A previous vice president of the NSW branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Barwick also teaches at the University of New England as Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy, and runs PharmOnline, a website that delivers online pharmacy services, aimed at helping those isolated or unable to access a pharmacy.
Barwick’s work has seen her recognised Pharmacist of the Year for 2021, a Superstar Of STEM for 2023-2024, and is a member of the NSW Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.
Former Inverell Councillor and Deputy Mayor Dianna Baker was awarded the Medal Of The Order Of Australia in the General Division, for a lifetime of public service to the Inverell Shire. Baker’s previous roles include President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association from 2022 to 2024, as well as chairing various committees such as the Small Towns Main Street Program, the Civil and Environmental Services Committee, and others almost too numerous to count.
Baker is also the current chair of the Inverell Equestrian centre, and has been involved in numerous community organisations such as Toastmasters, the Regional Development Board, and fundraising for the Inverell Hospital.
Tamworth’s Ruth Blakely, President of the Friends Of The Tamworth Gallery, was awarded an OAM for her service to the Tamworth community.
Blakely is a founding member of the Tamworth Arts & Craft Society and the National Fibre Art Collection in the 1970s.The former owner of the Weswal Gallery, Blakely also devotes time to the Anglican Church, as a Parish Councillor at St John The Evangelist Church, and has been a counselor for Anglicare New England North West for the past 20 years.
Also from Tamworth, Alan Gilmour, earned an OAM for his services to the arts, particularly music. A long-time member of the Australian Songwriters Association, where he’s been Director since 2006 as well as numerous other roles, including a judge for the Australian Songwriting competition, Gilmour has also had a storied career in radio.
Gilmour has been voted Most Popular DJ, Australian in the Country Music People’s Choice Awards, 2018 and 2022-2024, and was inducted into the Tamworth Broadcasters Hall Of Fame.
Paul Moules of Werris Creek has been acknowledged for his service to the community, particularly through his work with the Returned Servicemen’s League, where he has been Secretary and Treasurer since 2019. A current Liverpool Plains Shire Councillor and former Deputy Mayor, Moules has a raft of volunteering credits to his name, from cricket and soccer coaching, community transport driving, and volunteering for Meals On Wheels.
Group Captain Wayne Keel of the NSW RFS Halls Creek Brigade in Tamworth was awarded an Australian Fire Service medal, recognising his decades of service. A member of the Namoi River Brigade originally since 2003, he transferred to Halls Creek in 2016. He has served as Tamworth District group captain since 2020 and has fought fires and flood across the region.
Other New Englanders recognised yesterday for their services to their local community include former gallery owner and foundation member of the Textile Triennial, Robyn Blakely of Tamworth; Vietnam Veteran Dennis Lowder of Wee Waa; and Celebrant Patricia Hadley of Narrabri. Many others were recognised in local awards.
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