SEVERAL Coffs Coast and Nambucca Valley identities have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for “service worthy of particular recognition” to the community.
All have worked tirelessly to help others and continue to do so after leaving paid employment.
JOHN AINSWORTH
John Ainsworth was awarded his medal for, among other things, 32 years of service on Nambucca Valley Council, serving several times as Deputy Mayor.
He was also a member of the Premier’s Regional Communities Consultative Council for eight years and the NSW Farmers Association for 27 years.
Born in Nambucca, Mr Ainsworth was involved in horticulture and dairying before switching to beef cattle when dairying costs rose.
He stood for council because of concerns about environmental zoning, intending to serve one term, but ultimately served eight.
He said people began to realise that ratepayers needed to know what the council was doing.
Mr Ainsworth said, “The OAM was a complete surprise.
“I am quite proud of it but it is very humbling.”
He added that he has had a very busy life, running a substantial property alongside his community contributions.
Mr Ainsworth is currently a supporter of the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum, a member of the Macksville Masonic Lodge, and a Director of Lifetime Connect, an NDIS service provider operating from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour.
CATHERINE YEOMANS
Catherine Yeomans was acknowledged for her service to the community through a range of organisations.
She moved to Sapphire Beach from Sydney in 2017.
Mrs Yeomans studied law and initially worked in the NSW Attorney General’s Department, then in two law firms.
She said, “Exposure to the justice system helped me to understand the benefits and importance of early intervention to divert people away from it and help them get their lives back on track.”
She then worked at two global firms in publishing and sales and marketing.
Mrs Yeomans was the CEO and COO of Mission Australia and chairperson of several of its offshoots, and has been a director of a number of non-profits, including Working Links United Kingdom, through Mission Australia.
She said, “The difficulty in accessing safe, affordable housing is a major barrier to people addressing other issues they might be facing in their lives.”
She took the opportunity to join the board of Chess Connect, a local community services provider, saying, “Once I finished permanent employment I was keen to serve the community in a wider range of roles.”
“It was delightfully unexpected and humbling.
“My motivation has been to put my faith into action.
“It’s been a privilege to use whatever talents God has given me to serve others.”
LYN ANDERSON
Lyn Anderson received the honour for her volunteering and paid work at Lifeline North Coast, based in Coffs Harbour.
She was born and raised in Sydney and came to Coffs Harbour with her husband in 1986, after 14 years in Tamworth.
Mrs Anderson originally worked as a nurse and worked in New Guinea and Adelaide.
She started with Lifeline North Coast in the early 2000s as a volunteer and, after eight years, was offered part-time work.
She became a support person for volunteers on the phones, then moved into the role of trainer, before finally becoming Centre Supervisor.
Mrs Anderson said she will be stepping back to part-time work.
“Lifeline is manned…by volunteers and I would urge anyone thinking of volunteering to do so,” she said.
The training is very comprehensive so volunteers have the skills to help anyone who calls.
“When people know there is someone there to listen they get off the phone feeling heard and possibly seeing a way forward.”
Mrs Anderson urges readers to look at the Lifeline North Coast Facebook page and contact her on 0408 285 286 if they would like to become a volunteer.
She said, “It is a great honour to be given this award but I’m sad that my husband of 50 years is not here to celebrate with me because he always encouraged me.”
BARRY NICHOLLS
Long-term Coffs Coast residents may remember Barry Nicholls, who now lives in Western Australia.
His award is for service to sport as a trainer and first aid officer, including significant contributions on the Coffs Coast.
After being a trainer with the Balmain Tigers, he moved from Sydney to Coffs Harbour in 1990 when he was transferred as railway station master.
He said he had been in Coffs for only three days before becoming a trainer with the Axemen.
He also spent two years at the Sawtell Rugby League Club before returning to Orara, where he is a Life Member.
Mr Nicholls is also a Life Member of the Hunter West Hornets Touch Football Club and the Group 2 Rugby League Association.
Since moving to Western Australia 10 years ago, Mr Nicholls has continued training at numerous clubs and organisations and was Senior Community Citizen of the Year for the City of Kalamunda in 2023.
He said, “I was quite surprised [to] receive an award but I love what I do, and I’m probably too old to stop.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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