Coasties recognised in King’s Birthday honours

Five Central Coast residents have been awarded a Medal of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Announced on June 10 by Governor-General David Hurley, the honours list recognises 737 outstanding and inspirational Australians.

Claire Braund of Terrigal was awarded an OAM for service to women in business and to the community of the Central Coast.

Braund co-founded Women on Boards (WOB) Australia in 2006 and has been executive director since 2006.

In 2012, she co-founded WOB United Kingdom.

WOB is an independent organisation with a proud history of supporting women to leverage their professional skills and experience into leadership and non-executive-director roles.

WOB has been working for 18 years to address gender inequity in the boardroom and is a recognised leader in promoting and supporting women to achieve decision-making roles.

Braund has also been the president of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music since 2021, was the former vice-president and chair of the building committee and a board member since 2016.

She was a former non-executive director and governance committee chair at Coast Shelter, a Churchill Fellow in 2010, and graduate of the Sydney Social Leadership Program Benevolent Society 2005.

Braund was named Terrigal electorate’s Woman of the Year in 2021 for her outstanding work in the community.

“This came as a complete surprise,” Braund said.

“I was on holiday in Japan with my parents when the email arrived, and I thought surely this is not really the Governor-General.

“After it was all confirmed that indeed that was the case, I was quite chuffed, taken back and very surprised.

“I have no idea who nominated me, but I know nominations require quite a bit of work having been involved with them myself previously.

“So that shows a lot of kindness and consideration.”

Ken Dixon of Woy Woy was awarded an OAM for service to youth and the Central Coast community.

Dixon enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the NSW Government with the Department of Education and Training as General Manager Finance and Administration 2005-2009, Director of Finance 1989-2004, Acting Deputy Director General (Resources) 1994, and past General Manager Board of Studies.

He also held various positions with the NSW Public Service on the Executive Board and Management Committee NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, from 2008 to 2018.

Dixon was named Central Coast Bowls Volunteer of the Year in 2017, and received the Community Ambassador Award Central Coast Kids in Need, the CPA Australia Director’s Excellence Award, and the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions Director’s Service Excellence Award.

He is currently vice-president and charity bowls co-ordinator of Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, a past-president of Woy Woy Cricket Club, a life member of Woy Woy Bowling Club and a life member of the Pelicans Fishing Cub.

His community, fundraising and volunteer work has covered many different organisations and sporting clubs including Stewart House, Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, Ettalong Beach Financial Services Limited – Community Bank Ettalong Beach, and the Peninsula/Woy Woy Euchre Club.

While Dixon said he had a “fair idea” who nominated him, he was thrilled to receive the award.

“It is a great honour,” he said.

“I have lived on the Coast nearly all my life and I have done a lot in the community including fundraising for Central Coast Kids in Need and Stewart House.

“I’ve had a good career in the NSW Government, and I believe when you have certain skills or qualifications, people should help.

“So, if someone needed help, I was very happy to help.

“It is pretty hard to say no.”

Kevin Sullivan of Bateau Bay was awarded an OAM for service to veterans and to the community.

Sullivan is currently the 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association’s NSW State Representative, National Committee, and has been the editor of the Behind the 8 Ball newsletter since 1999.

He is also a committee member of the NSW branch, 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Association and co-ordinator of the Long Hai Day Commemoration Service.

Sullivan has been a valuable member of Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast as a quartermaster and a radio operator and rescue crew member since 2005.

In 2015, he was awarded the 10-year long service medal.

His volunteer and community work includes building memorials and village infrastructure with the Kokoda Memorial Foundation in Papua New Guinea between 1999 and 2007, and as a volunteer driver with the Peninsula Retirement Village for 18 years.

Awards and recognitions include the Unit Commander’s Commendation Central Coast Unit Marine Rescue NSW, National Medal and first clasp 2016, Australian Active Service medal 1945-1975 with clasp Vietnam 1998, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, Australian Defence Medal, Anniversary of National Service Medal, the Infantry Combat Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

“I had no idea I had been nominated,” Sullivan said.

“It was a big surprise and a real honour when you consider the number of people who do volunteer.

“I thoroughly enjoy giving back because we live in such a beautiful country.

“I also really enjoy the camaraderie of the organisations I’m involved with.”

Susan Brooks of Killcare Heights was awarded an OAM for service to the LGBTQIA+ community and to women in business.

A lifelong interest in supporting women, especially those in disadvantaged groups, has seen Brooks take on many leadership roles in organisations with a focus on women’s issues.

She co-founded the Pinnacle Foundation in 2006 where she was also the policy and process designer, chair of the selection committee and mentor development (2010-2020) and the former head of risk and compliance.

The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential.

It awards multi-year scholarships nationally to students aged between 18 and 26 for full-time study at public higher education institutions to achieve educational or vocational qualifications in any profession, trade or the arts.

Brooks’ other government roles and responsibilities have included Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman in the 1990s and director of the Office of the Status of Women for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in the 1980s.

She was a board member of the NSW YWCA from 1997 to 2002 and treasurer of the Sydney Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras for four years and a board member in the 1990s.

In 2005 she was a board member of the ABC’s Complaints Tribunal and chief compliance officer/head of public and consumer affairs Westpac Banking Corporation, 1996 to 2005.

In 2012 she was named a Community Hero at the ACON LGBTI Awards.

Brooks said she was completely surprised to be awarded an OAM.

“It was a surprise, but also a delight to receive public recognition for 12 years of work,” she said.

“I have long had an interest in women’s issues, especially those in disadvantaged groups who need a leg up – those who show a determination to succeed but are struggling to make it for whatever reason.”

The late Brian C Morelli of Rocky Point was awarded an OAM for his service to veterans and their families and to sports journalism.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of his profession as a sports television director, deeply involved in the creation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s, Morelli passed away in December last year.

He was a National Serviceman with the Royal Australian Air Force from 1951 to 1957, a former secretary of the RAAF Association of Australia, NSW Division, a consultant and volunteer with the Department of Veterans Affairs and an avid RAAF historian.

He also co-founded the National Service Branch Air Force Association NSW in 2007 and was president from 2010-23.

Morelli was the Channel 9 sports director from the 1980s to 1990s, television production editor from the late 1950s to 1960s and a camera operator in 1956.

He was sports director and production editor with World Series Cricket in the 1970s and sports director with Fox Sports.

In the early days, Morelli was closely associated with the iconic Bandstand and was one of three producer-directors over its timespan, taking over in1969.

His family, including son Brett Morelli, will accept the award on his behalf.

“I know Dad would have been very, very proud to accept this award and my family and I are equally proud to accept it on his behalf,” Brett Morelli said.

“He was a successful pioneer in his professional life and devoted his later years to his historical work with the RAAF National Service and their members.”

Having a holiday house at Kanwal for many years, Morelli moved permanently to Rocky Point four years ago.

“He loved his sport and loved his photography,” Brett Morelli said.

“He was very successful and at the top of his game.”

Denice Barnes