MORE than 20 stalwarts of SA's regional communities were recognised in the Australia Day 2015 Honours List, including two members of country emergency services teams.
Lincoln Country Fire Service captain Greg Napier was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of his 16 years with the CFS, while Andamooka State Emergency Service unit manager Stefan Bilka was honoured with the Emergency Services Medal for showing leadership and commitment above and beyond the call of duty.
Emergency Services Minister Tony Piccolo said Mr Napier had shown exceptional commitment as a firefighter and leader in support of Eyre Peninsula.
"His colleagues speak extremely highly of him, labelling their captain as a leader whose passion and fervour know no bounds," Mr Piccolo said.
He said Mr Bilka, who joined the SES in 1997, was a major contributor to the local community.
"Among the many things that Stefan has done for the local community includes ensuring that the Andamooka youth have opportunities to learn new skills and participate in the cadet program," he said. "His achievements are many and he has always conducted himself in a manner befitting the SES uniform."
Two South Australians were named Members in the General Division; Pamela O'Connor, Mount Gambier - for significant service to the community of Mount Gambier through a range of outreach programs, and as an author and historian - and the late Henry Jones, Clayton, for significant service to the conservation of the Lower Murray River, and to the community.
Several South Australians were awarded Medals in the General Division for service to their communities, including:
- Maree Anderson, Minlaton,for service to the community of Minlaton.
- Allan Aughey, Clare, for service to local government, and to the communities of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys.
- William Bowring, Mannum, for service to maritime history preservation, and to the community of Mannum.
- Rae Brewster, Streaky Bay, for service to the community of Streaky Bay.
- Mavis Fitzgerald, Port Pirie, for service to the community of Port Pirie through social welfare organisations.
- Phillip Greagen, Port Augusta, for service to local government, and to the community of Port Augusta.
- Damian Head, Crystal Brook, for service to agricultural education, and to sport.
- Barry Klose, Lobethal, for service to the community of Lobethal through a range of organisations.
- Kym McHugh, Mount Compass, for service to local government, and the community of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
- Margaret Martlew, Victor Harbor, for service to the communities of Port Elliot and Victor
- Dorothy Osborne, Innamincka, for service to the community of Innamincka.
- John Osborne, Innamincka, for service to the community of Innamincka.
- Lorraine Pomery, Port Elliot, for service to the community of Port Elliot.
- Milton Rowe, Port Elliot, for service to the Uniting Church in Australia.
- Bobbi Sawyer, Port Pirie, for service to Indigenous mental health, particularly women and children.
- Claire Welch, Mount Gambier, for service to the community of Mount Gambier.
- Edna Wheaton, Kingscote, for service to the community of Kangaroo Island.
