More than a dozen inspirational Hunter residents have been recognised with 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

This year’s list acknowledges 830 Australians, including accolades in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and appreciation for distinguished and conspicuous service.

Hamilton’s Carol Ann Duncan, Rutherford’s Gordon Gorton, Aberglasslyn’s Brian Jack, Mayfield’s Sister Carmel Moore, Stockton’s Leslie Angus Peterkin, Port Stephens’ David Edward Allan Sams and Newcastle’s Mike Scanlon received OAMs (Medal of the Order of Australia), as did the late Irene June Hemsworth and Douglas Charles Saxon.

Former Singletonian Dr John Drinan and Catherine Johnson were also rewarded with AMs (Member of the Order of Australia).

Lehetta Lane-Porter picked up a PSM (Public Service Medal) while Shaleigh Lennox and Stephen Ivan Raymond humbly accepted ESMs (Emergency Services Medal).

Hunter recipients:

Carol Ann Duncan OAM

For service to the community of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle

• Councillor, Ward 2, 2017-2024
• Chair, Public Art Reference Group, since 2019
• Chair, Community and Culture Advisory Committee, since 2019
• Chair, Public Art Advisory Committee, since 2022
• Committee Member, Public Art Standing Committee, current
• Member, NSW Public Libraries Association
• Alternate Member, Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel
• Member, various committees

Radio Broadcasting

• Advisory Board Member, Community Radio 2NURFM, since 2019
• Journalist and Broadcaster, ABC Local Radio, 2001-2014
• Radio Broadcaster, NXFM and NEWFM, 1993-2000

Hunter Medical Research Institute

• Public Engagement Lead, since 2023
• Foundation Member, 2007-2013

Community

• Founder, ‘Lost Newcastle’, since 2012
• Volunteer Media Officer, State Emergency Service NSW, since 2022
• Member, Newcastle Family History Society, current
• Member, Newcastle Live Music Taskforce, current
• National Public Relations Manager, Lions Australia, 2018-2020
• Member, Newcastle Lapidary Society, current

Other

• Casual Academic, School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Industries, The University of Newcastle, since 2022
• Justice of the Peace, New South Wales, current
• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors

Awards and recognition include:

• Walkley Award, ABC Newcastle, 2007
• NSW Premier’s Public Sector Awards Medal, Emergency Broadcasting, ABC Local Radio, 2007
• City of Newcastle Commendation Award, Emergency Broadcasting, ABC Local Radio, 2007
• Inaugural winner, NSW Cancer Council Award for Excellence in Reporting, 2007

Dr John Drinan AM

For significant service to the dairy and agriculture industries, to the environment and to the community.

Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, Rotary International

• Treasurer 2001-2002
• Community Service Director 2000-2001
• Member, 1999-2017
• Treasurer/Secretary, Singleton Art Prize, 2003-2016

St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Singleton Parish

• Former Member, Parish Council
• Former Member, Finance Committee

Community

• Convenor, Bonny Hills Art Prize Committee, since 2020
• Member, Community Council Action Team, Bonny Hills, 2018-2020
• Chair, Convent of Mercy Future Committee, Singleton, 2014-2016
• Former Member, Glendon Brook Hall Action Group
• Chair, Singleton Arts Festival Organising Committee, 2014-2016
• Treasurer, Rotary District 9670, Rotary International, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008

The Environment

• Member, Bonny Hills Landcare Group, since 2017
• Foundation Member, Glendon Brook Catchment Landcare Group, 2003-2017
• Foundation Member, Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group, 2009-2016
• Community Representative, Environmental Strategy and Action Plan, Singleton Council, 2015-2017
• Member, Singleton Area Landcare Network, 2000-2017
• Member, Community Reference Group, Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, 2008-2012
• Member, Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue, 2011-2017

Agriculture organisations

• Member, Australian Animal Health Laboratory Advisory Committee, 2000-2005
• Chair, Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Strategy, 2005-2011
• Chair, Committee of Chairs, Rural Research and Development Corporations, 1996-1997

Dairy Industry Adjustment Authority

• Member, 2000-2006
• Chief Executive, 2006-2008

Dairy Research and Development

• Member, Dairy Research Council, 1989-1990
• Director, Dairy Research and Development Corporation,1990-1992
• Chair, Dairy Research and Development Corporation, 1992-2000

Education

• Head, School of Administration and Technology, Hunter Institute of Higher Education and The

University of Newcastle,1987-1991

• Senior academic positions, The University of Newcastle, 1992-2000
• Principal, CB Alexander Agricultural College, Tocal, 1981-1987
• Member, External Advisory Committee, School of Agriculture, The University Western Sydney, 1981-1985
• Head, Department of Animal Production, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, College of Advanced Education, 1975-1981

Gordon Gorton OAM

For service to the community through a range of service organisations.

New South Wales Police Force

• Chief Inspector/Duty Officer, Maitland, until retirement 2002
• Acting Local Area Commander Lower Hunter, Patrol Commander Muswellbrook, Patrol Tactician

Cessnock

• Lock-up Keeper Maclean, Sergeant 3rd Class, Lithgow
• Graduated, 1968
• Worked, Rose Bay, Scone, Lithgow, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri

NSW Health

• Community Representative, Maitland Local Health Committee, Hunter New England Health, 2019-2023
• Official Hospital Visitor, Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Morissett Mental Health Facilities and Community Health Centres, 2004-2019
• Member, Memorandum of Understanding Committee, Hunter New England Health

Community and Other

• Juvenile Justice Conference Convenor, NSW Department of Communities and Juvenile Justice, until 2021
• Consumer Representative, Mental Health Committee, Old Maitland Hospital
• Consumer / Community Representative, National Health Standards Committee, Maitland/ Kurri Kurri Hospitals

Cessnock Leagues Club

• Former President, Cessnock Goannas Rugby League Club
• Director, since 2003
• Former Selector, Representative Teams, Newcastle Senior and Junior Rugby League

Lithgow Apex Club

• Life Member, 1987
• Member, 1979-1987

Lithgow community

• Co-Initiator and Project Team Leader, Clubhouse Construction Scheme, Wallerawang Sailing Club
• Instigated Construction, Skate Rink, Lithgow Police Boys Club
• President, Seniors’ Workers’ Rugby League Football Club, Lithgow

Apex Club of Scone

• Former Board Member, Apex Zone 10
• Organiser, Twinning Between Scone and a New Zealand Club
• Initiated, Cafe de Wheels Fundraiser, Scone
• Fundraiser, Basketball Stadium

Maclean Hospital

• Organiser, Building of Disabled Access for Wing
• Fundraiser, Children’s Ward

Maclean Community

• Founder and Former President, Maclean Blue Light Disco Committee
• Co-Inaugurator, Maclean Cup Race Meeting
• Co-Organiser, Construction of Public Wharf Clarence River, adjacent Maclean Court House
• Co-Organiser, Building of Bus Shelter, Lawrence
• Initiated, Construction of fence at Local Sports Field
• Former Coach, Boys and Girls Soccer and Cricket Teams

Awards and recognition include:

• Bronze Medal, Royal Humane Society, 1986
• New South Wales Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal, 2002

Late Irene June Hemsworth OAM

For service to the community of Maitland.

Maitland Netball Association

• Netball Coach, 1972-2014
• Former First Aid Officer, 12 years
• Various positions, 1986-2010
• Co-Founder and former President, Maitland RSL Netball Club, 1984-2023
• Life Member

Sport – Other

• Treasurer, Maitland Park Sport Recreation Board, 1994-2024
• Secretary, Maitland Sports Council, 2014
• Former Learn to Swim Teacher, 1970s

Maitland Sub-Branch, The Returned and Services League of Australia

• Member, Women’s Auxiliary, 2002-2024
• President, RSL Youth Club, 40 years
• Former Volunteer Fundraiser

Church

• Founder, The Girls Friendly Society, St Paul’s Church, 1971-1981
• Former Home Visitor
• Former Member, Maitland District Christian Education Association
• Scripture Teacher, local schools, 1973-2024
• Former Church Warden, St Mary’s Anglican Church
• Active Church member

Community – Other

• Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, 1975-2004
• Volunteer, Greenhills Nursing Home, 1984-1989
• Former Volunteer, Samaritan Op Shop, 5 years
• Member, Maitland Women’s Cancer Support Committee
• Former President and Member, P&C Association, St Ethels Primary School, 1970-1987
• Life Member, St Ethel’s School

Awards and recognition include:

• Australia Day Achievement Award, Maitland Sub-Branch, The Returned and Services League of Australia, 2024
• Life Member, Hunter River Dragons of Morpeth, 2022
• Freeman of the City of Maitland, 2014
• Community Torch Bearer, 2000 Olympic Games Torch Relay, 2000
• Australian Sports Medal, 2000
• Citizen of the Year Award, Maitland Council, 1989

Brian Jack OAM

For service to the community of Maitland.

Newcastle Knights Rugby League

• Chairman, Junior Selection Panel, 1991-2009
• Member, Junior Selection Panel, 1988-1991
• Life Member, 2007

Paterson Rotary Club

• Member, 1992-1996
• Vocational Service Director, 1993-1994

Maitland Sunrise Rotary Club

• Inaugural President, 1996-1997
• Founding Member, since 1996
• 20th President, 2015-2016
• Vice President, 1997-1998, and 2016-2017
• Sergeant at Arms, 1999-2015, and since 2016

Our Town HO Model Railway Club

• Vice President, since 2018
• President, 2005-2007, and 2010-2017
• Committee Member, 1995-2004

Maitland High School Ex Students Association

• President, 1994-2001, 2007-2014, and since 2018
• Vice President, 2002-2006, and 2015-2017
• Life Member, 2018

Career

• Partner, Jones and Berry, 1985-2019
• Auctioneer, Carr Bros, 1972-1985
• Employee, Lindsay and Comerford, 1969-1972

Catherine Johnson AM

For significant service to oncology nursing and research.

Calvary Mater Newcastle

• Clinical Research Nurse, Medical Oncology Department, since 1997
• Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Ward & Outpatients Chemotherapy Suite, 1994-1997

Cancer Nurses Society of Australia

• Member, Constitution Review Steering Committee, 2016
• National Executive Treasurer, 2008-2009
• National Executive Deputy Chairperson, 2006-2009
• Nurses Representative, Steering Committee, 1996-1999
• Member, Founding Steering Committee for the development of the CNSA in Australia, 1998-1999

International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care

• Secretary/Treasurer, current
• Committee Member, Corporate and Philanthropic Committee, since 2010
• Committee Member, Finance and audit Committee, 2010-2019
• Committee Member, Communications Committee, 2010-2019
• Committee Member, Member Development and Communications Committee, 2010-2018
• Committee Member, Knowledge Development and Dissemination Committee, 2010-2016
• Chair, Development and Communications Committee, 2010-2014
• Team Leader, 13th International Conference on Cancer Nursing, 2004

Clinical Oncological Society of Australia

• Member, Cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia position statement working group, 2019-2020
• Committee Member, Cancer Care Coordination Position Paper project group, 2013
• Education Coordinator, Nurses Group, 1996-1998

Cancer Institute NSW

• Member, NSW Patient Reported Measures Clinical Reference Group, 2020
• Member, Implementation Science Community of Practice, 2014-2019
• Cancer Care Coordinator, Community of Practice steering Committee, 2012-2013

Nursing

• External Tutor, Chemotherapy Nursing Practice, NSW College of Nursing, 1995-1999
• Clinical Nurse Specialist, Chemotherapy Team, Medical Oncology Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown, 1993-1994
• Registered Nurse, Medical Oncology Ward, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, 1991-1992

Hunter New England Local Health District

• Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Nurse Coordinator, Area Cancer Services, since 2010
• Member, Nursing and Midwifery Research Committee, since 2016
• Committee Member, Cancer Leadership Committee, since 2011
• Member, Human Research Ethics Committee & Clinical Trials Sub Committee, 2006-2013

Cancer Nurses Society of Australia – Hunter Regional Group

• Treasurer, 2005-2006
• Committee member, 2001-2004
• Chairperson, 2000-2001

Other

• Editorial Board Member, Australian Journal of cancer Nursing, 2011-2020
• Member, Clinical Trials Advisory Board, University of Sydney, 2009
• Members Assembly Member, Cancer Council NSW, 2007-2010

Lehetta Lane-Porter PSM

For outstanding public service for work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the Kirinari Newcastle Hostel.

Ms Lane-Porter has been instrumental in supporting First Nations students to succeed in school, complete Year 12 and move onto employment and training.

As Head of Boarding at Aboriginal Hostels Limited’s (AHL) Kirinari Newcastle hostel, she provides support and care for up to 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school aged students.

Ms Lane-Porter is an exceptional leader of a team which includes youth workers, cleaners, cooks and the Deputy Head of Boarding to provide 24/7 pastoral care.

Through her innovative approaches she connects the students to cultural, sporting and social events to build the student’s confidence, self-identity and community connections.

She creates a culturally safe home away from home, where students feel respected and proud of their heritage. Her efforts result in students embracing life at the hostel, engaging in school and achieving goals.

Ms Lane-Porter is a mentor and role model for AHL’s other Heads of Boarding across Australia, who support up to 116 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students each year. She encourages student’s annual participation in the Boots for Bright Futures campaign, working with Australian National Rugby League clubs to paint footy boots for auction to raise money for the fight against youth suicide.

Ms Lane-Porter has played a leading role in AHL’s Year 12 graduation and camp for 70 students from Thursday Island, the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

She’s an inspirational leader who has shown innovation and excellence in service.

Her dedication and personal commitment to ensuring the young men in her care succeed in school and life is exceptional.

Shaleigh Lennox ESM

For distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.

Ms Lennox, a dedicated patrolling member of Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club since 1992, has demonstrated over 30 years of exceptional service in lifesaving and emergency management within the Hunter region.

Beginning her journey with the attainment of her Bronze Medallion, she’s held numerous frontline roles, including patrol captain, zone supervisor and duty officer.

Since 2009, she has served over 1,188 hours in support operations and as a duty officer, attending to emergencies and frontline incidents, in addition to fulfilling standard beach patrol duties.

As the director of Lifesaving for the Hunter branch in 2007, Ms Lennox established the duty officer role, implementing innovative policies to address patrol breaches and enhance lifesaving operations.

Her contributions to education include developing assessment tools for the Hunter branch, which became templates for national standards, and dedicating countless hours as an examiner and facilitator to ensure operational excellence.

Ms Lennox’s service extends to disaster response, including her critical role in evacuations during the hazardous June 2007 Hunter floods and through every major flood incident within the Hunter region since then.

Through her ongoing frontline service, including her contributions as a duty officer and her dedication to beach patrols, she consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of her community.

Ms Lennox’s distinguished service in hazardous conditions and her ability to lead and innovate has left a lasting impact, demonstrating the highest standards of dedication and leadership.

Sister Carmel Moore OAM

For service to the Catholic Church of Australia.

St Joseph’s Convent, Lochinvar

• Member, Inter Congregational Spirituality Committee, since 2022
• President, Australia-New Zealand Federation Sisters of St Joseph, 2004-2006
• Councillor, 2003-2008
• General Councillor, Congregational Leadership Team, 1985-1991
• Nun, since 1955

Living Waters Meditation Centre

• Mentor, since 1997
• Co-Ordinator, 1997-2013
• Founder, 1997

Education

• Primary School Teacher, Charlestown and Wauchope, 1955
• Secondary School Teacher, Lochinvar, 1956-1969
• Teacher, St Ann’s High School, Adamstown, 1970-1973
• Principal, St Joseph’s High School, The Junction, Newcastle, 1974-1984

Other

• Hospital Chaplain, John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, 1990-1996

Leslie Angus Peterkin OAM

For service to the creative arts.

Bakehouse Pottery and Galleria Artisans, Tyalgum

• Ceramic Artist, 1980-2001
• Founder, 1980

Studio 52A

• Artist, 1970-1980
• Ceramics Commission, Old Sydney Town, 1974
• Founder, 1970

Ceramic Art Exhibitions

• Exhibitor, Faces in the Crowd: more Mosman stories, Mosman Library, 2024
• Exhibitor, The Elements Fulfilled, Grafton Regional Gallery, 1999
• Exhibitor, Northern Resonances, Hyper Clay Gulgong, 1998
• Exhibitor, Artists of the Tweed, Tweed Regional Gallery, 1994
• Former Exhibitor, Contemporary Art and Design Gallery Brisbane
• Former Exhibitor, Paralax Gallery, The Rocks Sydney

Ceramic Collectors Society

• Patron, current
• Committee Member, current
• President, Ceramic Collectors Society Sydney, 1978-1980

Arts – Other

• Artist and Website Administrator, www.lespeterkinpottery.com, current
• Co-Founder, Sydney Festival Ballet Company
• Former Member, Mosman Musical Society

Community

• Volunteer Entertainer, Mayfield Aged Care, since 2010
• Volunteer Entertainer, Calvary Tanilba Shores, since 2010
• Volunteer Entertainer, Uniting Lindsay Gardens Hamilton, current
• Former Volunteer, Tyalgum Community Hall
• Former Volunteer Musician, Anzac Day Dawn Services, Tyalgum

Publications

• Interviewee, Les Peterkin Oral History, Pride History Group, 2017
• Interviewee, Alex Hood folklore collection, National Library of Australia, 2006
• Podcaster and Video Contributor, @lespeterkin2516, YouTube, current
• Presenter of more than 50 educational ceramic videos
• Guest, Sydney Festival Ballet Company and William Gill, Sydney Festival Ballet Company, 2023

Teaching

• Artist in Residence (Ceramics, Painting, Stained Glass and Silver Smithing), Lindisfarne Grammar School, 2001-2008
• Workshop Coordinator, Tweed Regional Gallery, 1990-1998
• Teacher, Tyalgum Public School, 1982-1995
• Arts and Ceramics Teacher, Shore School (formerly Church of England Grammar School, North Sydney), 1969-1972
• Ceramic Teacher, Mosman Evening College, 1961-1969
• Teacher, North Balgowlah Primary School, 1968-1969
• Teacher, Chatswood Primary School, 1965-1968
• Lecturer, Physical Education, Balmain Teachers’ College, 1961-1964
• Lecturer, Physical Education, The Australian School of Pacific Administration, 1961-1964

Australian Defence Force

• Citizen Military Force, 1953-1967

Awards and recognition include:

• Murwillumbah Art Prize, Ceramics Section, 1984
• Australian Defence Medal
• Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal

Stephen Ivan Raymond ESM

For distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.

Mr Raymond is a valued member of Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) with a record of exceptional volunteer and career service in the emergency services sector.

His career in the emergency services sector began in 1989 as a volunteer for the NSW Rural Fire Service followed by his professional appointment in 2001 as a fire control officer for numerous regions until he joined MRNSW in 2016.

In his current role at MRNSW he has made a lasting and significant contribution to the organisation through his operational duties as the former regional training manager, regional operations manager and current zone duty operations manager for the Sydney and Hunter Central Coast regions.

Since joining the MRNSW in 2016, he has worked tirelessly to contribute to the development of MRNSW as a professional marine rescue service with trained and resourced members to protect and assist the NSW boating community.

His roles within MRNSW encompass significant responsibilities for operational search and rescue, management and resourcing, volunteer training and volunteer liaison. This requires detailed local knowledge of waterways, prevailing conditions, crew skillsets and availability.

He is also adept in emergency management processes and procedures in order to ensure the optimal response to any emergency on the water, whether offshore or on rivers, lakes or other enclosed waters.

Mr Raymond is generous with his time and knowledge, mentoring his fellow volunteers in rescue vessel operations and search and rescue theory and practice.

He has made a sustained contribution to the development of volunteer skill and operational capability.

During his extensive service with MRNSW, Mr Raymond has demonstrated a distinguished and exemplary commitment to public service and to the MRNSW mission of saving lives on the water.

David Edward Allan Sams OAM

For service to the community of Port Stephens.

Salamander Bay Recycling Centre (formerly Not Everybody Works Employment Centre)

• Co-Founder, since 1994
• Labourer, current

Community organisations

• Founding Member and Committee Member, Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network, current
• Volunteer, Tomaree Youth Community Action, c2000-2021
• Former Member, Soldiers Point Lions Club
• Former Member, Soldiers Point Tidy Towns Committee
• Former Member, Anna Bay and Boat Harbour Parks and Gardens Group

Awards and recognition include:

• Lifeline Hunter Central Coast Brass Blokes Award, 2017
• Port Stephens Medal, 2017
• Port Stephens Australia Day Award, 1998 and 2005

Late Douglas Charles Saxon OAM

For service to education, local history and music.

The Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club

• Festival Band Coordinator, 2010-2024
• Newsletter Editor, 2002-2003 and 2009-2024
• Life Member, 2009
• Secretary, 2006-2007
• Treasurer, 1998-2000
• Member, since 1997

Central Charlestown Combined Club Probus

• President, 2017-2018
• Bulletin Editor, 2020- 2023
• Vice President, 2016-2017
• Member, 2008-2024

Education

• Principal, Jewells Public School, 1992-2006
• Principal, Yanco Public School, 1978-1983
• Principal, Bonnell’s Bay Public School, 1983-1987
• Principal, Cessnock East Public School, 1987-1992
• Assistant Teacher, Teralba Public School, 1972-1978
• Assistant Teacher, Edgeworth Public School, 1972
• Assistant Teacher, Villawood East Public School, 1968-1972

Publications

• Author, Dora Creek Memories 1870-2020, 2020
• Author, Eraring’s History-Farming, Monkeys and Electricity, 2020
• Author, Positive Futures-A History of Margaret Jurd College, 2018
• Author, Michael Scott-An Artistic Life, 2017
• Author, Morisset Memories 1891-2016, 2016
• Author, An Anzac from Hamilton, 2015
• Author, A History of Eraring and its School, 2014
• Author, Bonnells Bay Public School-Celebrating in the Centenary 1912-2012, 2012
• Author, ‘The Jurd’: Margaret Jurd Learning Centre: celebrating twenty five years, 1985-2010
• Author, Hamilton: Memories of Life and School in the 1950’s, 2010
• Author, Yanco Public School: the first irrigation school in the MIA 1909-2009, 2009
• Author, Welcome to Holland: the story of Hunter Orthopaedic School, 2008
• Author, Valentine Public School: Fifty years of Community Service 1958-2008, 2008
• Author, Companion Credit Union:30 years of community service 1975-2005, 2006
• Author, Companion Credit Union: the first twenty years 1974-93, 1993
• Author, Bark hut or horse to Toronto: Awaba School 1891-1991, 1991
• Author, The East Enders: some memories of East Cessnock and its school 1928-88, 1988
• Author, The Gateway to the MIA: a history of Yanco, NSW, 1988
• Author, Pit Props and Sleepers: the story of Awaba, 1988
• Author, A Brief History of Yanco, 1982
• Author, Morundah Public School 1886-1977, 1980

Mike Scanlon OAM

For service to media as a journalist and to community history.

Newcastle Herald Group

• Weekly Historical Feature Journalist, since 2004
• Former Features Editor
• Former Night Chief of Staff
• Various roles, 1964-2004

Publications include:

• The Hidden Hunter, 2021
• Past Port, 2020

Awards and recognition include:

• Broadcast Bona Award, Newcastle City Council and The University of Newcastle, 2010
• Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism, Northern New South Wales Journalists, 2006

For more news stories:

• First flooding, now howling winds smash Hunter
• Maitland’s draft Economic Development Strategy on public exhibition
• Council recognised for Kurri Kurri Town Centre upgrade

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