Author Di Morrissey becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), awarded for her significant service to literature as a novelist and to conservation and the environment.

Ms Morrissey, who lives at Mondrook, is the author of 26 novels and four children's books.

Her environmental work includes patronage of the Whale Research Centre at Southern Cross University and support for Saving the Ningaloo Reef, since the early 1990s.

She is also a board member and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and helped to establish Pyinnyar Yeil Mon Education Centre, Sagaing, Myanmar.

Margaret Ezzy of Mondrook received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the community of Taree.

Margaret is a past president and current volunteer of the Manning Valley Camp Quality support group, the current treasurer of Manning River Trefoil Guild, current volunteer with the Mondrook Public Hall Association, Tinonee Historical Society and Museum and Taree Eisteddfod Society.

Forster's Doreen Wilson has been awarded an OAM for service to gymnastics.

Doreen was team manager, chaperone and massage therapist for Gymnastics Australia (NSW team) between 1986 and 1992.

She established Gymaroo Gymnasts in 1988 at Taree PCYC and assisted with the Australian Gymfest held at Taree in 1994 and 1996.

She was named Manning Valley Citizen of the Year in 1995.

Michael Bartlett from Hallidays Point has been awarded an OAM for service to surf lifesaving.

He has been a member of the Blackhead Surf Life Saving Club since 2001 and is currently the public officer.

Over the years he has been a member and served on committees of the Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving New South Wales - Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, a Sydney Northern Beaches Delegate and has been a competition official for more than 30 years.

Michael received a 60 years Long Service Award from Surf Life Saving NSW in 2017 and is a life member of Surf Life Saving NSW, 2001; Surf Life Saving Australia, 2007; Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, 1970; Sydney Northern Beaches, 1981.

Barrington's Wendy Hughes receives her OAM for service to the community of Gloucester.

Wendy is foundation member and secretary of the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge Club, a life member of the Barrington Rural Fire Brigade and a member of Gloucester Lions Club, Gloucester Garden Club, Barrington District Progress Association and numerous other groups.

Bulahdelah resident, Gary Gooch received an OAM for service to the agricultural industry.

Mr Gooch's achievements include serving as president of the Bulahdelah Show Society since 1984, chairman of the Hunter Group of Shows and director of the Agricultural Society of NSW for 14 years.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.