Latest news with #OAM
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Retired cop Gordon Gorton receives OAM in King's Birthday Honours
From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said. From his career as a police officer to his commitment to volunteering, Gordon Gorton has dedicated his life to serving the community. Now, his service has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for service to the community through a range of service organisations. The Rutherford resident was a police officer for 35 years who was stationed across the Hunter and at Lithgow, and retired ranked chief inspector at Maitland Police Station. Mr Gorton said the honour is a very appreciated shock. "To me it means that some of the work I've done with the community over the years has been recognised," he said. "You just poke along and do what you're doing and you don't look for accolades, but when you do get an accolade like this you say 'wow, I might have done a bit'." Whether stationed in Maitland, Cessnock, Lithgow, Scone or Maclean, Mr Gorton has always become involved with local clubs like Apex, and organised many community projects like skate parks and blue light discos, and coached sporting teams. "You got respect that was the main thing, two-way respect. The community respected you and vice versa," he said. "People knew who you were, you weren't just the copper down the road, they knew who you were and your values." In 2002 he was awarded the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal. After retiring, Mr Gorton still felt a strong calling to help the community and volunteered in a number of roles including as an official hospital visitor to mental health patients with NSW Health. He also served as a juvenile justice conference convenor with the NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice. "I've always had an interest in mental health and there was an opportunity there to work as an advocate for patients in various mental health institutions, both adult and adolescents in the Hunter Valley area," he said. A former Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Football Club president, Mr Gorton is still very much a Goanna at heart despite moving to Maitland a few years ago, and is a director on the board of Cessnock Leagues Club. "Rugby league has always been an interest of mine, and also what I found too from my point of view as a policeman when you go to a particular community, you've got to get involved with that community," he said.
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'I got to where I am ... by working hard': story of law
Like many others working in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Nick Kaldas' mental health deteriorated, an experience he considers pivotal to his role as chair of a royal commission. Moving to Australia from Egypt in 1969 as a boy with his family, he has held a number of prominent roles including deputy commissioner in the NSW Police Force and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From migrant kid in Sydney's suburbs, Naguib "Nick" Kaldas has been made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to international and transnational law enforcement, multiculturalism, and veterans among other areas. "I feel I have contributed to inspiring kids from migrant backgrounds to think about entering government, to enter the police force, to realise that there is no glass ceiling," he told AAP. "I'm nothing special, and I got to where I am simply by working hard. "See that you can achieve simply by having faith, being resilient, and not letting the speed humps that we all encounter sometimes stop you from moving forward." With his Arabic background and extensive law enforcement experience, Mr Kaldas was made deputy chief police adviser in Iraq, under the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004. It was in this role helping build Iraqi law enforcement following the dismantling of the regime that led to him developing "really bad PTSD". Mr Kaldas said those experiences were "pivotal" in his understanding of the complex circumstances Australia's military serving men and women dealt with. "It certainly helped me in terms of being empathetic and people knowing that I understand some of what they've been through," he said. "I hope it gave them more comfort to be able to open up, particularly in the private sessions, and to talk to me about what they've been through and what they're feeling." Members of the judiciary and legal professionals have also been honoured for their service to the law. Former and current judges include High Court Justice Simon Harry Steward and Mark Samuel Weinberg who have both been appointed Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia and Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Others appointed AM include Kathrine Scott Galloway for significant service to the law, Helen Claire Dalley Fisher for service to women in gender equity, and John Patrick Pace for work in international human rights and policy education. Judith Dikstein and John Vincent Mackey were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their service to the law and community. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Like many others working in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Nick Kaldas' mental health deteriorated, an experience he considers pivotal to his role as chair of a royal commission. Moving to Australia from Egypt in 1969 as a boy with his family, he has held a number of prominent roles including deputy commissioner in the NSW Police Force and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From migrant kid in Sydney's suburbs, Naguib "Nick" Kaldas has been made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to international and transnational law enforcement, multiculturalism, and veterans among other areas. "I feel I have contributed to inspiring kids from migrant backgrounds to think about entering government, to enter the police force, to realise that there is no glass ceiling," he told AAP. "I'm nothing special, and I got to where I am simply by working hard. "See that you can achieve simply by having faith, being resilient, and not letting the speed humps that we all encounter sometimes stop you from moving forward." With his Arabic background and extensive law enforcement experience, Mr Kaldas was made deputy chief police adviser in Iraq, under the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004. It was in this role helping build Iraqi law enforcement following the dismantling of the regime that led to him developing "really bad PTSD". Mr Kaldas said those experiences were "pivotal" in his understanding of the complex circumstances Australia's military serving men and women dealt with. "It certainly helped me in terms of being empathetic and people knowing that I understand some of what they've been through," he said. "I hope it gave them more comfort to be able to open up, particularly in the private sessions, and to talk to me about what they've been through and what they're feeling." Members of the judiciary and legal professionals have also been honoured for their service to the law. Former and current judges include High Court Justice Simon Harry Steward and Mark Samuel Weinberg who have both been appointed Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia and Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Others appointed AM include Kathrine Scott Galloway for significant service to the law, Helen Claire Dalley Fisher for service to women in gender equity, and John Patrick Pace for work in international human rights and policy education. Judith Dikstein and John Vincent Mackey were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their service to the law and community. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Like many others working in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Nick Kaldas' mental health deteriorated, an experience he considers pivotal to his role as chair of a royal commission. Moving to Australia from Egypt in 1969 as a boy with his family, he has held a number of prominent roles including deputy commissioner in the NSW Police Force and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From migrant kid in Sydney's suburbs, Naguib "Nick" Kaldas has been made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to international and transnational law enforcement, multiculturalism, and veterans among other areas. "I feel I have contributed to inspiring kids from migrant backgrounds to think about entering government, to enter the police force, to realise that there is no glass ceiling," he told AAP. "I'm nothing special, and I got to where I am simply by working hard. "See that you can achieve simply by having faith, being resilient, and not letting the speed humps that we all encounter sometimes stop you from moving forward." With his Arabic background and extensive law enforcement experience, Mr Kaldas was made deputy chief police adviser in Iraq, under the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004. It was in this role helping build Iraqi law enforcement following the dismantling of the regime that led to him developing "really bad PTSD". Mr Kaldas said those experiences were "pivotal" in his understanding of the complex circumstances Australia's military serving men and women dealt with. "It certainly helped me in terms of being empathetic and people knowing that I understand some of what they've been through," he said. "I hope it gave them more comfort to be able to open up, particularly in the private sessions, and to talk to me about what they've been through and what they're feeling." Members of the judiciary and legal professionals have also been honoured for their service to the law. Former and current judges include High Court Justice Simon Harry Steward and Mark Samuel Weinberg who have both been appointed Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia and Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Others appointed AM include Kathrine Scott Galloway for significant service to the law, Helen Claire Dalley Fisher for service to women in gender equity, and John Patrick Pace for work in international human rights and policy education. Judith Dikstein and John Vincent Mackey were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their service to the law and community. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Like many others working in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Nick Kaldas' mental health deteriorated, an experience he considers pivotal to his role as chair of a royal commission. Moving to Australia from Egypt in 1969 as a boy with his family, he has held a number of prominent roles including deputy commissioner in the NSW Police Force and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From migrant kid in Sydney's suburbs, Naguib "Nick" Kaldas has been made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to international and transnational law enforcement, multiculturalism, and veterans among other areas. "I feel I have contributed to inspiring kids from migrant backgrounds to think about entering government, to enter the police force, to realise that there is no glass ceiling," he told AAP. "I'm nothing special, and I got to where I am simply by working hard. "See that you can achieve simply by having faith, being resilient, and not letting the speed humps that we all encounter sometimes stop you from moving forward." With his Arabic background and extensive law enforcement experience, Mr Kaldas was made deputy chief police adviser in Iraq, under the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004. It was in this role helping build Iraqi law enforcement following the dismantling of the regime that led to him developing "really bad PTSD". Mr Kaldas said those experiences were "pivotal" in his understanding of the complex circumstances Australia's military serving men and women dealt with. "It certainly helped me in terms of being empathetic and people knowing that I understand some of what they've been through," he said. "I hope it gave them more comfort to be able to open up, particularly in the private sessions, and to talk to me about what they've been through and what they're feeling." Members of the judiciary and legal professionals have also been honoured for their service to the law. Former and current judges include High Court Justice Simon Harry Steward and Mark Samuel Weinberg who have both been appointed Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia and Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Others appointed AM include Kathrine Scott Galloway for significant service to the law, Helen Claire Dalley Fisher for service to women in gender equity, and John Patrick Pace for work in international human rights and policy education. Judith Dikstein and John Vincent Mackey were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their service to the law and community. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
West Australian
a day ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
'I got to where I am ... by working hard': story of law
Like many others working in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Nick Kaldas' mental health deteriorated, an experience he considers pivotal to his role as chair of a royal commission. Moving to Australia from Egypt in 1969 as a boy with his family, he has held a number of prominent roles including deputy commissioner in the NSW Police Force and chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From migrant kid in Sydney's suburbs, Naguib "Nick" Kaldas has been made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to international and transnational law enforcement, multiculturalism, and veterans among other areas. "I feel I have contributed to inspiring kids from migrant backgrounds to think about entering government, to enter the police force, to realise that there is no glass ceiling," he told AAP. "I'm nothing special, and I got to where I am simply by working hard. "See that you can achieve simply by having faith, being resilient, and not letting the speed humps that we all encounter sometimes stop you from moving forward." With his Arabic background and extensive law enforcement experience, Mr Kaldas was made deputy chief police adviser in Iraq, under the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004. It was in this role helping build Iraqi law enforcement following the dismantling of the regime that led to him developing "really bad PTSD". Mr Kaldas said those experiences were "pivotal" in his understanding of the complex circumstances Australia's military serving men and women dealt with. "It certainly helped me in terms of being empathetic and people knowing that I understand some of what they've been through," he said. "I hope it gave them more comfort to be able to open up, particularly in the private sessions, and to talk to me about what they've been through and what they're feeling." Members of the judiciary and legal professionals have also been honoured for their service to the law. Former and current judges include High Court Justice Simon Harry Steward and Mark Samuel Weinberg who have both been appointed Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia and Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC who was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Others appointed AM include Kathrine Scott Galloway for significant service to the law, Helen Claire Dalley Fisher for service to women in gender equity, and John Patrick Pace for work in international human rights and policy education. Judith Dikstein and John Vincent Mackey were awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their service to the law and community. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
