7 June 2026
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan was pleased to commend six recipients of King’s Birthday Honours in the electorate.
Four residents received the honour of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), one sadly posthumously, while one received a Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) and another a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
“The King’s Birthday Honours list is always a wonderful testament to community spirit and commitment to each other,” Mr Moylan said.
“People from all walks of life and fields of expertise have been recognised for their contribution to their work.
“These honours celebrate integrity, commitment and compassion, and I congratulate each and every one of these recipients.”
The late Peter Kearsey OAM was posthumously awarded for his incredible dedication to the Inverell and wider community across his lifetime. He was officially recognised for ‘service to the community of Inverell, with his list of accomplishments and service filling two full pages. I was delighted to acknowledge this honour to his wife Desi Kearsey, another well-known and regarded Inverell citizen.
Uralla’s Russell Clifton received an OAM for his accomplished career and service both on the NSW South Coast and more recently, in Uralla. His work with the RFS in both areas was recognised in this honour.
Armidale’s William ‘Bill’ Oates was honoured with an OAM for his extensive and exhaustive work in the field of history preservation and I know that he is a well regarded historian, not only in the New England but far and wide.
Walcha’s Yvette Stanton received an OAM for her service to embroidery. Her achievements in this very specialised field are impressive, with many publications and 11 books to her name since 2004, international Embroidery Guild Awards and in the field of education. An astonishing achievement.
Kentucky’s Garry Bashford was awarded an AFSM for his tireless volunteer work with the Rural Fire Service in Kentucky (since 1973), and more widely in RFS leadership roles across the region and internationally. A wonderful recognition for his work in keeping us all safe.
Louise Chappell received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) medal for advancing human rights, especially the rights of women.
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552