Northern Rivers recognised in King’s Birthday honours

MORE than 800 Australians have been recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, including seven community leaders from the Northern Rivers.

Geoffrey Wotherspoon of Girards Hill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to postal history and philately. A long-time president of the Richmond River Philatelic Society, he has judged stamp exhibitions and written about Australia’s first official airmail flights.

Joanne Cooper of Goonellabah was awarded an OAM for service to the community through organisations including Rotary, Inner Wheel and Southern Cross University. She has played an active role in local fundraising, education support and service clubs for more than 20 years.

Mary O’Brien of Ballina was awarded an OAM for her work supporting older Australians and refugees through groups such as the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Lighthouse Day Club. She has been involved in local care initiatives and mentoring programs for newcomers to the region.

John Pritchard of Yamba received an OAM for service to local history, particularly through the Clarence River Historical Society. He has worked to preserve records, photographs and stories that document the region’s colonial and maritime past.

John Bennett of Possum Creek was awarded an OAM for his contributions to community music, including long service with the Bangalow Music Festival and chamber music outreach programs. He has helped bring classical music performances into schools and regional halls across the Northern Rivers.

John Gorrie of Grafton was awarded an OAM for his support of Vietnam veterans and his fundraising work for Legacy. He has been involved in community remembrance events and veteran advocacy for many years.

Former Ballina MP Donald “Don” Page, of Byron Bay, was awarded an OAM for service to the Parliament and people of New South Wales. He served in state parliament for 27 years, including as minister for the North Coast, and later chaired Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers.

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC said the awards recognised “selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care” that flourished across the country.

“To all who are being recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia,” she said.

The Order of Australia was established in 1975 to recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

Awards are announced twice a year — on Australia Day and the King’s Birthday — and recipients are nominated by members of the public.

This year’s list recognises 830 Australians, including 581 in the General Division: 14 Companions (AC), 31 Officers (AO), 123 Members (AM) and 413 Medals (OAM).

Recipients will be formally presented with their insignia at investiture ceremonies held across the country in the coming months.