MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan is pleased to commend five recipients of King’s Birthday Honours in the electorate.

Four residents received the honour of a Medal of the Order of Australia, one sadly posthumously, while one received a Australian Fire Service Medal.

The late Peter Kearsey OAM, who sadly passed away last year, was posthumously awarded for his incredible dedication to the Inverell and wider community across his lifetime.

“Peter was officially recognised for service to the community of Inverell, with his list of accomplishments and service filling two full pages,” Mr Moylan said.

“I was delighted to acknowledge this honour to his wife Desi Kearsey, another well-known and regarded Inverell citizen.”

The late Peter Kearsey OAM was posthumously awarded for his incredible dedication to the Inverell and wider community (Image: Inverell Lions Club).

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,” Mr Moylan said.

Armidale’s William ‘Bill’ Oates was honoured with an OAM for his extensive and exhaustive work in the field of history preservation.

“I know he is a well-regarded historian, not only in the New England but far and wide,” Mr Moylan said.

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.

“This is an astonishing achievement,” Mr Moylan said.

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,” Mr Moylan said.

“The King’s Birthday Honours list is always a wonderful testament to community spirit and commitment to each other.

“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,” he said.