Junee’s Darren Dolan.
Wing Commander and Junee local Darren Dolan, who works as Chief of Staff at the Australian Defence Force Academy Headquarters in Canberra, was made a Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for exceptional service in combat support, organisational development and training delivery for the ADF.
“Recognition in such a manner is humbling to say the least, having read about and know previous recipients and all that they have achieved,” he said. “Additionally, knowing the process and journey such an application takes, that to be assessed by peers as suitable and then be honoured in such a way is, again, humbling.”
“My thoughts went to those I have served with during my various postings and the privilege that afforded me, and importantly, the support of my family during my service.”
Mr Dolan was not the only person in the region to receive the prestigious award with very exceptional people who live in and serve in the community being recognised.
Among those receiving the honours are Mr Robert Millner AC of Woodstock who was noticed for his philanthropic work and dedication to rugby league. The late Mr Kenneth Karsten OAM of Weethalle was also recognised for his service to the community of Weethalle, including the Weethalle Show Society, Weethalle RFS Brigade, the Weethalle Rifle Club and the Weethalle Rugby League Club.
Cliff Sheridan OAM who is a known figure in Young for his work with Mercy Care, Ro- tary Club of Young, and countless other com- munity events was also awarded the honours. And finally, another Junee resident, Kim Hill OAM, was recognised for her work in keeping the town safe with her work with the Com- munity Recovery Hub at the Balmoral Vil- lage Hall, Buxton and Junee RFS Brigades, Buxton Memorial Playground.
The Independent hopes to catch up with Kim next week. The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List
recipients were announced by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).
The achievements of 1,192 Australians across community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, were recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Hon- ours List, which
includes: 920 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 19 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, 199 Meritorious awards and 54
Distinguished and Conspicuous awards.
The Governor-General said, “Learning about the wide-rang- ing service of recipi- ents, which spans almost every field of endeavour imaginable, is uplifting and makes me enormously optimistic for our country. Collectively they speak to who we are now and who we can be in the future.
“Notably, for the first time since the Order of Australia was established in 1975, the majority of recipients in the General Divi- sion are women. Similarly, there is gender parity or better at the three highest levels in the Order.”
The Order of Australia is our nation’s highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service. People from all back- grounds, all parts of Australia and who have contributed in all areas are honoured and celebrated through the Order. Everyone recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List was nominated by someone and despite how valuable some- one’s contribution is, they can’t be recognised unless they are nominated which is true for each and every recipient who has had enough of an impact to be nominated.
Wing Commander Dolan has served more than 30 years in the Air Force, producing a host of signifi- cant advances in combat support in 13 Squadron and in train- ing delivery and capability development for 1 Recruit Training Unit.
According to the Federal Government, the AM recognises his professionalism and skills as an exemplary commander who has demonstrated inspirational leadership, exceptional managerial skill, steadfast determination and exemplary dedication.
“Words cannot de- scribe the opportunities I have been afforded over the years, in many locations and different positions,” he said. “From the Air Force I joined in 1988 to the one in which I serve in today, it has been the people I have worked with that have sup- ported my journey.
“Air Force is a great organisation that sup- ports its people to achieve all they wish and I am grateful to have had those shared experiences with some amazing people.”
Other people who received an AM honour in the military cate- gory are: Nicole Cur- tis, Ashley Collingbird, Timothy Connoly, Michael Cowen, War- ren Gould, Andrew Langford, Hugh Meggitt, Glenn Ryan, Geoffrey Armstrong and Carl Newman.
What an outstanding achievement from a Junee local.
Jack Murray