North Shore couple Carolyn and David Stedman, who have fostered 74 children, are among several Sydney Anglicans recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The list, released amid the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, honours Australians from all walks of life who have made a contribution to the community.
The Stedmans have been awarded the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to children, particularly as foster parents.
The couple have six children of their own, including Sydney Anglican ministers Matt and Pete Stedman. They began fostering children after Mrs Stedman heard a radio appeal.
At one point they had nine children (including their own) under their roof.
Appearing on Sunrise Mr Stedman said, “It’s about giving them a chance in the first couple of years of their life to know what love is all about, and stability”.
Most of their foster children have been newborns and, because of a shortage of carers, they intend to continue despite being in their 70s.
“I think when you have a God-given gift, God expects you to use it until you can’t,” Mrs Stedman told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Disability care
Tony Staveley, Chairman of Royal Rehab, was made a member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to community health, and to people with disability.
Mr Staveley, a parishioner of St Andrew’s Roseville, has served in leadership roles in the historic not-for-profit organisation since 1997.
Mother care
Another Sydney Anglican recognised was Janet Harrison of Strathfield, given an OAM for service to the Anglican Church of Australia, and to women.
Her various roles included leading women’s groups since the 1960s, teaching Sunday school, and a significant role in Mothers’ Union.
Mrs Harrison has been a volunteer visitor at Children's courts and volunteered at the Mothers’ Union shop in Sydney for 40 years.
78 year old Robyn Emery, a member of the Lower Mountains Anglican Parish also received an OAM for service to the community of the Blue Mountains.
Mrs Emery has managed the Bibles for Missions Op Shop in Blaxland for more than 20 years.
"Serving the district through the Op Shop, as well as helping communities and mission work in Africa and other parts of the world, seemed like the least we could do to repay the many blessings we have living in such an amazing part of the world.” Mrs Emery told a local newspaper.
Educator Honoured
Dr Timothy Wright, who has held senior positions at three Anglican schools including as headmaster of Shore for 16 years, was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM).
The citation reads: “For significant service to primary and secondary education, and to professional associations.”
Dr Wright held various roles at Trinity Grammar School, and was headmaster of Scots All Saints College in Bathurst before becoming head at Shore.
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, well known as a Christian and in the Diocese of Armidale, was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to rural and regional development, to leadership in international agricultural research and food security, to social commentary, and through contributions to not-for-profit organisations.
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Photo: David and Carolyn Stedman appearing on Sunrise on Channel Seven
