Avoca Beach resident, Mr Warren Wilson, has been awarded with Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queens’ Birthday Honours list for his significant service to business and commerce through the sports entertainment industry and to the community of Western Sydney.
Mr Wilson is currently the chief executive officer of the Panthers Rugby League Club and has also been the chief executive officer of Warren Wilson Holdings from 2005 to 2011, NSE Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) from 1999 to 2004 and Sky Channel from 1995 to 1999.
He was a member of the board of directors for St. Mary Rugby League Club from 1977 to 1984 and is currently a supporter of Panthers on the Prowl and Panthers Women in League.
Mr Wilson said that he received his letter informing him that he was being considered for the award 10 to 12 weeks in advance of the decision. “I know everyone who was involved” he said. “I came onto the board at St Mary Rugby League Club as a 19 year old and I spent about seven years there,” he said. “They built the leagues club and it’s the biggest in Australia,” Mr Wilson said. “That was a good lesson and a great responsibility,” he said.
Mr Wilson said that once he completed his business degree, he “went into the world of commerce.” “I’ve spent about 21 years working and being part of different committees and someone has been kind enough to nominate me.” “You do all of these things for your children,” Mr Wilson explained. “I raised funds for the Central Coast Grammar School because my children went there, I was part of those committees because my children were part of those clubs.”
“They did it with me,” Mr Wilson said. Mr Wilson said that he has since celebrated receiving the award with a family dinner, a nice day out with friends and has received many well wishes.
Interview, 17 June 2015 Warren Wilson OAM
Media release,
8 June 2015 Susan Fischer,
office of the Governor General – Victoria Power,
journalist.