2023 Australia Day Honours

Congratulations to all Australians recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List for service to their communities!

We are delighted that a number of our current and former Leaders and Supporters of Scouts NSW have been recognised in the Order of Australia Honours List.  They span both appointments as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

This years Honours List includes individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of youth through Scouting, to those who have contributed service to a local community through various roles, one of which has been Scouts.

The 2023 Australia Day Honours List includes:

1. MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

• Dr Sally TORR, of Bourke NSW - For significant service to healthcare administration, and to the community of western New South Wales. This includes as Leader, Leichhardt Scout Group, 1989-2006.

2. MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

• Mr Lindsay CLARKE, Lennox Head NSW - For service to the community through a range of organisations. This includes as Scout Leader, Lismore, 1971-1978.
• Mrs Julie COMMINS, NSW - For service to the community through a range of roles. This includes as Group Leader (1992-2017), Assistant Group Leader (since 2017), Member (since 1990) and Life Member of 1st Turramurra Scout Group. Awards and Recognition include Silver Wattle Award (2015) and Service Decoration for 25 Years in Australian Scouting.
• Lieutenant Colonel Christopher John HOLCROFT RFD (Retd), Hammondville NSW - For service to youth, and to the community. This includes as:
  • Venturer Scout Leader, Canterbury Vale District Venturer Unit and 1st Burwood Unit, since 2014.
  • Former Assistant Venturer Leader, 2nd Peakhurst Scout Group, 1974.
  • Range of Adult Leader roles including Assistant Venturer Leader, Venturer Leader.
  • District Venturer Leader, Rover Advisor and Branch Activity Leader, since 1974.
  • Member since 1968.

Awards and Recognition include 35 Year Service Award, Scouts Australia (2019), Silver Koala (2016) and Silver Wattle (2008).

• Mrs Sheryl PITMAN, Howlong NSW - For service to the community of Howlong. This includes to Scouts New South Wales, as:
  • Leader-in-Charge, 1st Howlong Scout Group, since 2015.
  • Cub Leader, 1st Howlong Scout Group, 1975-2015.
  • Representative, Scout Building Committee, 20 years.
  • Member, Regional Training Team, 6 years.
  • Member since 1967.

Awards and Recognition include Silver Koala (2009).

• Mr Barry PURDON, Bathurst NSW - For service to the community of Bathurst. Awards and Recognition include King Scout, 3rd Bathurst Scouts (1940s).
• Mr John STAVERT, Brooklyn NSW - For service to the communities of Hornsby and Brooklyn. This includes to Scouts NSW as Rover Advisor, 1st Berowra Scout Group (1982-1987). Awards and Recognition include Certificate of Good Service (1978), Highest Level of Training (1978) and Long Service Decoration (1986).
• Mrs Robyn TWIGG, Balgowlah NSW - For service to the community through a range of organisations. This includes as Assistant Cub Scout Leader, 1st Pymble Cubs and Scouts (1995-2005). Awards and Recognition include 10 Years of Service Certificate/Award, Scouts New South Wales.
• Mr John WARD, Elanora Heights NSW - For service to the community through a range of organisations, including as President, 2nd Narrabeen Scout Group (1973-1977).
• Mr Arthur WATSON, Old Guildford NSW - For service to the community through a range of organisations. This includes as Honorary Auditor, Guildford Boy Scouts Association (1973-1976).
• Mr Peter WHITE, Wamberal NSW - For service to veterans, and to the community. This includes to Erina Heights Scout Group as President, Treasurer and Committee Member.

We heartily congratulate all Honours recipients and thank each of them for their outstanding volunteer service to Scouts NSW. We also hope to publicly recognise a number of them at our Recognition Dinner scheduled for Saturday 11 March 2023.