Former Deputy Prime Minister and National Party Leader, John Anderson, leads a list of Anglicans and other Christians in New South Wales who have received awards in 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. 

Governor General Quentin Bryce says the 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”.

Many of the Anglicans on the list have received awards for both professional service and service to the community through local churches or church organisations.

Order of Australia

John Anderson, who attends Tambar Springs Anglican Church, in the New England area of NSW,  was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service during a distinguished political career and his contribution to rural Australia.

ABC boss Mark Scott, whose wife Briony was until recently principal of the Anglican Roseville College, also was made an officer in the order of Australia for distinguished service to media and communications, and to the community through advisory and governance roles with a range of social justice and educational bodies.

Medal of the Order of Australia

Those awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) include David Barnsdall, of Killara, for service to the community through the Hamlin Fistula Australia organisation. Mr Barnsdall has been Honorary Chairman of Hamlin Fistula Australia since 2009 but his formal links with the organisation stretch back more than a decade. Mr Barnsdall is also a member of Anglicare’s investment committee and has served on various Diocesan Boards. He has also been involved with prisons ministry and Scripture Union NSW.

Also awarded an OAM, Mrs Cheryl  Webster of Lane Cove for service to the community through the provision of assistance to refugees from Africa. Mrs Webster has been a Community Development Worker and African Refugee Advocate with Anglicare, since 1985; working with all refugees but particularly refugees from African countries. Apart from involvement in St Andrew’s Lane Cove, and St Thomas’, North Sydney, Mrs Webster has served Scripture Union Missions committee, on beach missions and with the Girls Friendly Society for 30 years.

Lady Suzanne Martin was awarded an OAM for service to youth through the Sir David Martin Foundation. Lady Martin also serves with Mission Australia.

Professor Peter Wolnizer, of Cherrybrook was given an OAM for service to higher education in the field of business and economics as an academic and administrator. He also served for a time as a member of the Moore College Council.

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