Queen’s Birthday Honours awarded across the north-west and New England region
ORDER of Australia medals were awarded to deserving recipients across the north-west and New England regions including Moree, Inverell, Uralla, Walcha and Tamworth.
Local State MP Adam Marshall congratulated four Northern Tablelands residents named in this year’s list, acknowledging their outstanding record of community, emergency and military service across the communities of Moree, Inverell and Uralla.
Moree’s Reg Jamieson and the late Alf Scott were honoured the General Division, both for their service to the Moree community.

Reg Kamieson OAM and Adam Marshall at the Nashos’ Reunion at Moree earlier this year (Image: Bill Poulos)
Mr Scott passed away recently after a close on 70 years’ involvement in sports administration in Moree, primarily with the Moree Board Rugby League Football Club.
Mr Jamieson has been heavily involved in the veterans’ community serving in numerous leadership roles with the RSL and National Servicemen’s Association, of which he is currently the North Western Sub-Branch President.
Uralla Fire and Rescue deputy captain, Kerri Wallace was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for her leadership in developing and maintaining the capability of the Uralla Fire Brigade.
Inverell RSL Sub-Branch president Pat McMahon will receive the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for his pivotal role in the rescue of an injured fisherman from a Japanese trawler off the coat of Brisbane in August 1991, while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force as the Senior Loadmaster on a Blackhawk Helicopter.
“These awards are an official recognition of the outstanding contributions these citizens have made to their respective communities and these honours are a testament of what a priceless value they have given so selflessly to so many others,” Mr Marshall said.
“We are very fortunate to have them and our communities, and the various groups, organisations and causes they have supported are richer for their work, most of it voluntary.
“For many of them there’s been recognition through other awards and civic honours over the years, but this is a national honour they can take tremendous pride in and we can celebrate as well.”
“To be acknowledged in the Honours List is one of the highest individual acknowledgements of service to our community. They have been such positive influences and I’m delighted they have been honoured in this way. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Two community stalwarts from Walcha and Tamworth were also recognised.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson congratulated Walcha Journalist and sports-lover Andrew “Coogee” Cross and Tamworth paediatrician Dr David McDonald for their Order of Australia in the General Division.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP (far right) with Walcha Council General Manager Jack O’Hara, Andrew ‘Coogee’ Cross OAM and Walcha Council Mayor, Cr Eric Noakes.
“This is wonderful recognition for two people who serve their communities with great passion, but in different fields,” Mr Anderson said.
“Dr McDonald has been at Tamworth Hospital as a Visiting Medical Officer since 1986 and a Senior Staff Specialist since 2003. He has touched so many families across the region with his work.
“This is a tremendous record of service to the community, the region and in particular to our Health Service.
“Andrew Cross is ‘Mr Sport’ in Walcha and also has a fantastic record of service to his community,” he said.
“He has been the Walcha pool manager and swimming teacher for 37 years and he’s been a journalist with the Walcha News for more than 30 years.
“He is a Life Member and Patron of the Walcha Rugby League Club, a team he has been involved with since 1974. He is also a Life Member of the Walcha District Cricket Association and the Walcha Touch Football Association as well as a distinguished record of service to the Walcha Squash Club and the Walcha Golf Club.
“Both these new OAMs have made a fantastic contribution to their communities and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to them,” Mr Anderson said.
Media Release: July 9, 2019
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THE late Alf Scott was known in Moree as Mr Rugby League.
But he was much, much more than that.
And now his community spirit – especially his spirit – continues to glow ever so brightly.
Mr Scott, 94, was on Sunday posthumously named in the Queen’s Birthday Honour List with a Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) for his tireless charity work and community service in Moree for more than 70 years.
Click link for full story:
http://www.deluxecafemoree.com.au/alf-scott-awarded-posthumous-oam/
MOREE community stalwart and all-round good bloke Reg Jamieson has been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday honour list – an accolade he cherishes but says is bittersweet.
Mr Jamieson was on Sunday gonged with a Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) for his tireless work in the Moree community.
But, sadly, the man that lodged the nomination is not here to celebrate with Mr Jamieson.
Click link for full story:
http://www.deluxecafemoree.com.au/morees-reg-jamieson-named-in-queens-birthday-honour-list/