Australia Day Honours List names six Mid Coast residents

Bohnock resident, Narelle Clapson has been acknowledged for her service to indigenous education. Narelle has been the Aboriginal education resource teacher at Taree Public School, since 1998 and was the teacher at Purfleet Aboriginal Community from 1995 to 2000.

Harvey Else from Cundletown received his honour for service to the aviation industry, and to the community of Taree. Harvey helped establish the Manning River Aero Club and as a helicopter pilot, he helped survey and map areas of the New Guinea and was involved with the filming of Mad Max II. He was a pilot and surveyor for the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition and two sites in the Antarctic bear his name.

Beryl Fenwick receives her OAM for service to the community, in particular her work with the Anglican Church, Storm Village, Manning Valley Anglican College and the Samaritans Foundation. Beryl lives in Taree.

Also hailing from Taree, Don Secomb has been honoured for his service to the arts, particularly through music. Don, a piano teacher, has long involvement with Taree Arts Council, Taree and District Eisteddfod Society, Sinfonia Mid North Coast and Manning Valley Choral Society.

Reverend Trevor Leggatt now calls Wingham home and has been recognised for his service to the Indigenous community. He was general director of the Australian Indigenous Ministries for 20 years.

Andrew Sheriff is a lighthouse technician and has been caretaker at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at Seal Rocks. He has been honoured for the service to community history.

The Order of Australia is the principal means of recognising outstanding members of the community at a national level and nominations are encouraged from all members of the Australian public. Anyone can nominate a member of the community for recognition through the Order. The Order of Australia was established in 1975 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.