An 80-year-old nun, a former Olympian hurdler and a champion for Indigenous health are among the inspiring UNE alumni recognised in the recent King’s Birthday Honours.
Humble Dominican Sister Helen Merrin, who is now both deaf and blind, was awarded an OAM for service to special needs education and to the Catholic Church. She was already working as a primary school music teacher when she completed a Bachelor of Arts at UNE in the early 1980s, before returning to undertake a Bachelor of Education and become a special educator.
Since 1980, Sister Helen has taught at and been a board member of Sydney’s St Lucy’s School for children with special needs. She has taught braille to adults at the Royal Blind Society, transcribed books into braille for children, and been a member of the L’Arche community for people with an intellectual disability for more than 40 years.
“I have always been fascinated by how other people see the world, but I was very surprised to receive this award,” said Sister Helen, who now enjoys reading in braille herself and has a black belt in karate. “The accolades should really be going to the families of children with disabilities, not someone like me who can walk out of the classroom at 3pm.” Her full citation here.
Registered nurse, midwife and medical administrator Lesley Woolf also received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous health, and to rural and remote nursing. As well as working for Queensland Health and NT Health for more than 30 years, she has transitioned two health services to Aboriginal community control.
Lesley is now the executive health manager of Health Aged Care and Community Services at the Mala’la Health Services Aboriginal Corporation, which services Maningrida and surrounding homelands in North East Arnhem Land, and says she is dedicated to “making the world a better place”. She actively promotes the development of Australia’s Indigenous workforce, and the conditions and careers of nurses “who keep the show going”.
“This award recognises all nurses in rural and remote Australia,” Lesley said. “Working in health organisations controlled by the community has given me the opportunity to work with communities, identify their needs, and collaborate with them to co-design programs to get the best bang for your buck. I often talk about retirement, but while you still have that fire in your belly, you keep going. The more you do, the more you see needs to be done.” Her full citation here.
Dual Olympic hurdler and revered coach Penny Gillies said her OAM for her long service to athletics as a coach and competitor was “a great honour”. The five-time Australian 100-metre hurdles champion placed fourth in the final at the 1970 Commonwealth Games before competing at the 1972 and 1980 Olympic Games. She was a Little Athletics NSW Development Officer in the late ’70s and early ’80s before becoming a regular National Team Coach, including at the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“I have had athletes compete at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and world juniors,” said the career physical education teacher, who still coaches four days a week and was initially trained by Betty Cuthbert’s coach June Ferguson. “I am now working with a relatively young squad with aspirations of representing Australia and remain very passionate about athletics and helping others to perform at their best. This is a nice reward for all the time I have spent at the track in the cold and the dark.” Her full citation here.
The posthumous OAM awarded to the late Graydon Henning – for service to maritime history and to tertiary education – was fitting recognition for “an unassuming yet distinguished individual”, said his wife Sally. Graydon lectured in economic history and industrial relations within UNE’s business school for more than 30 years, was an Australian representative on and president of the International Commission for Maritime History, and a founding member of the Australian Association for Maritime History. Graydon was also an advisor/master at Duval and Drummond colleges, a former 2ARM community radio presenter and a stalwart of both the Armidale and District Historical Society and the Armidale City Council Folk Museum Committee.
“Graydon was someone who always listened to people, mentored his students and had a lot of insightful wisdom to share with his colleagues,” Sally said. “His academic contributions often slipped under the radar but have proven very important. Our family is very proud of Graydon’s achievements.” His full citation here.
Congratulations to all the UNE alumni and friends awarded King’s Birthday Honours, who include:
- Terry Brennan: Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to local government in Queensland. Full citation
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Anthony Campbell: Conspicuous Service Medal for meritorious achievement as a Squadron Sergeant Major in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Full citation
- Former UNE administration clerk, Armidale City Council Alderman and Member for Northern Tablelands Ray Chappell: OAM for service to the community, and to state and local government. Full citation
- Heather Garnsey: OAM for service to genealogy. Full citation
- Sister Jane Keogh: AM for significant service to the community through social welfare advocacy, and to primary education. Full citation
- Captain Glen Miles RAN: Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Director Nuclear Powered Submarine Capability - Operational Evaluation. Full citation
- Sharon Pope: Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to urban and regional planning in Muswellbrook Shire and surrounds. Full citation
- Christine Sinclair: AM for significant service to squash as an administrator and referee. Full citation
- Suzanne Talbert: Australian Fire Service Medal. Full citation
- Sister Janet Woods: OAM for service to secondary education, and to the Catholic Church in Australia. Full citation
We will continue to update this story with further information on members of the UNE community who have received King’s Birthday Honours.
