Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by ACM digital producer Georgia Rossiter.
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Sometimes, it takes lists like the King's Birthday Honours to help us see the regional Australians who are putting in the work to make our communities better.
The Governor General David Hurley announced awards for 737 Australians yesterday, including awards in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
In the small town of Wynyard, Tasmania, there was 95-year-old Fay Reeve who said the news she would be appointed a Member of the Australia "just about knocked my socks of".
The great-grandmother was a Girl Guides Tasmania leader in 1962, and after completing a first aid course with St John Ambulance, eventually joined the Brigade in 1965.
She's been a member ever since.
In Bendgio, Victoria, Dr Luz Restrepo counts receiving an Order of Australia medal as one of her biggest achievements.
She and her family sought political asylum in Australia from Colombia 14 years ago. While attending free English classes, she came up with the idea for SisterWorks Inc - a social enterprise working with migrant women to find meaningful jobs and economic empowerment.
Launched in 2013, Sisterworks now employs 20 people and has a $1.4 million annual turnover.
"I am so proud of this opportunity," she told The Bendigo Advertiser.
With a combined policing career of 65 years, Newcastle couple Detective Sergeants Kristi and Matt Faber are being honoured with the Australian Policing Medal.
Detective Sergeant Matt Faber has led many notable strike forces involved serious and violence crimes including the 14-month long investigation into the SummitCare Wallsend nursing home murders.
Detective Sergeant Kristi Faber is perhaps best known for leading Strike Force Georgiana which investigated historic child sexual abuse by Catholic Clergy.
"At the back end of our careers, this is quite nice. It's pretty special," she said.
Batemans Bay's Kai Noonan thought they had been targeted by a scam when an email in their inbox said they were nominated to receive an Order of Australia Medal.
It wasn't a scam; they received an OAM for service to the LGBTIQ+ community and the domestic and family wellbeing sector.
"This is one of the moments where maybe someone's appreciating the work and maybe it's worthwhile," they told the NSW South Coast's Bay Post-Moruya Examiner.
These are just five of the hundreds of Australians doing good things for their communities.
In a video message, Governor General Hurley acknowledged many of the names on the list are not well-known, but their work is still invaluable.
"They are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community," he said.
Thank you to all the dedicated community members helping regional Australia thrive.
Georgia Rossiter
Georgia comes to the Daily Advertiser from the Snowy Mountains via Shepparton, Victoria. You can reach her at georgia.rossiter@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0439 364 702
Georgia comes to the Daily Advertiser from the Snowy Mountains via Shepparton, Victoria. You can reach her at georgia.rossiter@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0439 364 702
