FOUR Ipswich residents have been celebrated as part of this year’s Australia Day honours, joining a group of 100 distinguished Queenslanders acknowledged for their contributions.
The Reverend Gerda Johanna Olafsen was appointed A Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the Uniting Church in Australia and the wider community.
Gary Lex Gibson received The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his service to veterans and his broader community contributions.
Warrant Officer Vanessa Christine Schneider AM was honoured for her exceptional service in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Her leadership in developing the Warrant Officer Employment Continuum, alongside her dedication to mentorship, has significantly enhanced the capabilities of individuals and teams across the force.
Finally, Flight Sergeant Peter John Greentree received the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for his meritorious achievement as an aircraft technician and maintenance executive at Number 36 Squadron.
Two of the six Australians appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest honour, are Queenslanders.
They were Scientia Professor Megan Davis AC, who is honoured for eminent service to the law, social justice, national and international advocacy right of Indigenous people and to the community and the Honourable Justice James Edelman AC who was recognised for eminent service to the law and to the judiciary, to legal education and scholarship, as a mentor to academics and legal practitioners in Australia and internationally, and to the community.
Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn announced the awards.
Other notable recipients included Laurie Lawrence AO, honoured for distinguished service to water safety education and as a high-performance swimming coach.
Professor John Fraser AO was recognised for his distinguished service in medicine.
