Included in these awards are 582 recipients, who are receiving awards in the general division of the Order of Australia to recognise their diverse contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally. There are also 199 recipients receiving awards for their meritorious or military service.
"I want to give my strong support to the awards made through the Australian Honours System’, Ms Bryce said. “They elevate the concept of giving to others. They heighten our respect for one another, and they encourage Australians to think about the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy."
“Awards in the Australian Honours System represent the highest level of recognition accorded by our nation for outstanding achievement and service. The Honours announced today recognise community values and celebrate what is important and unifying in Australian life”, Ms Bryce said.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Ret’d), Chair of the Council of the Order, said the diversity of service across all fields of endeavour was recognised today in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
“These awards are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity. 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”, Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“The Order of Australia relies entirely upon community initiative for submission of nominations. It is important that the honours system continues to uphold the national ethos of valuing diversity and recognising the contributions made by citizens to Australian cultural and social life, regardless of background”, he said.
“All Australians are encouraged to nominate fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of others for national recognition in the Honours List.”
Officer (AO) in the General Division of The Order of Australia
Dr Gabrielle Beryl (Gabi) Hollows
For distinguished service to public health as an advocate for the eradication of blindness, particularly for Indigenous Australians and people in the developing world.
Dr Gabi Hollows is a founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation. She is also Patron at the Fred Hollows Miracle Club.
She is an Orthoptist who participated in the National Trachoma and Eye Health Program between 1976-1978.Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order Of Australia
Mr John William Berryman
For significant service to people with a disability, and to the community
Among a long list of achievements, Mr Berryman was Chief Executive at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) between 1985 and 2011.
In 1978 he introduced and managed a computerised braille production program at RIDBC.
Mr Berryman was also a founding member of the Roundtable on materials for print handicapped readers.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Mrs Maureen Fay Davenport
For service to the blind and partially sighted.
Maureen was a tireless supporter of the blindness community. In 1990 she became President of the newly established Northside low vision support group in Nundah, she also established the City support group.
In 1996 Maureen was appointed to the Board of the Royal Blind Foundation Queensland, on which she subsequently served for 10 years. In 2002, she was made a life member of the Royal Blind Foundation Queensland.
Maureen was particularly supportive of people who have recently lost their sight, encouraging them to be as independent as possible.
Vision Australia was very sorry to hear of Maureen’s sad death earlier this year.
Mr James Kerry McGuire
For service to sport, particularly for people who are blind or partially sighted.
Mr McGuire has been active in blind sports, particularly blind lawn bowls for many years up until 2011. He was a senior administrator at local through to international level, being active in the Australian hosting of World Championships in 1985 and 2009.
As a player, he represented Victoria over the period 1981 to 1995.
Prior to his involvement with blind sports, Kerry was a leader in his local Sunshine region with the administration of softball and baseball.
Mr McGuire received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.