Five Anglicans from the Sydney diocese have been given Queen's birthday honours for their service to their communities.
Those honoured include two women from Sydney and three from the Southern Highlands.
Mrs Susan Maple-Brown, of Randwick was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to youth through the Guiding movement, and to the community. Mrs Maple-Brown has been an active member of St Jude's Anglican Church Randwick, for many years.
Mrs Betty Biffin, of Liverpool received the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community, particularly through contributions to the care of the elderly.
Mrs Biffin has been a volunteer at Hammond Village since 1987 and has been engaged in telephone support for elderly citizens living alone. She has been a member of St Luke's Mothers' Union in Liverpool since 1957, serving at various times as President and Deanery President. She has been a member, St Mark's Anglican Church, Sadleir, since 1976. In 2011, Mrs Biffin received an award from the Hammond Care group for her 20 years' outstanding contribution to residents and staff at Hammond Village.
The honourees from the Southern Highlands all attend St Jude's Anglican Church Bowral and two have been awarded the Order of Australia medal for community service.
Mrs Edna McGuiness of Bowral has been a volunteer Scripture Teacher, since 1969 at various local public schools in the Southern Highlands Region. She also taught Sunday School for many years at both Bowral and Robertson for many years. She is also an active member and fundraiser for the Bowral Mothers' Union.
Mrs Audrey Stuart of Manyana has used her musical talents in service of the community as pianist at retirement villages including Harbison Care and the Sarah Claydon Village. She is also a foundation member of the Highland Singers.
Another, Susan Hawick, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to education, particularly through the school counselling profession.
The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, approved awards for 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.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the Chair of the Council of the Order, said the diversity of service across all fields of endeavour was recognised in the list.
“These awards are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity. 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.
In military awards also announced on Monday, Chaplain Catherine Inches-Ogden received the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for outstanding achievement as a chaplain in the Australian Army, in the roles of unit chaplain, training and development officer, deployed chaplain and as the Senior Chaplain to Army Headquarters.
Feature photo: Government House, Canberra
