A Commonwealth Games medal or a Member of the Order of Australia Medal: in themselves they are just pieces of metal.
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The achievements they represent are what really matters, according to Ballarat’s newest AM, Steve Moneghetti.
Mr Moneghetti, 51, was appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list for “significant service to athletics as a marathon runner, administrator and mentor to young athletes”.
He said his long involvement in sport had given him enormous satisfaction, and the honours which have occurred along the way were merely a bonus.
“A medal is just a piece of metal. If you put a Commonwealth Games medal on someone’s neck it’s good for a ‘selfie’ but it doesn’t mean anything at all unless you’ve earned it,” Mr Moneghetti explains.
The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Chancellor of the Order of Australia, offered his congratulations to those honoured today.
The diversity of service across all fields of endeavour was recognised today with a range of awards within the Australian Honours System. These awards include the contributions from the community as well as Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
“These awards draw attention to the personal efforts of individuals, made willingly, without thought of recognition or recompense.
“We are fortunate as a community and as a nation to benefit from your contribution, and it is fitting that you have been recognised by the Australian honours system.
“You now join the company of men and women whose actions have enriched our community and whose values we hold dear – compassion, dedication, generosity, tolerance, energetic ambition.”
Included in these awards are 571 recipients of awards in the general division of the Order of Australia, recognising their diverse contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.
Around the regions
Newcastle: A passion to help and share
Redlands: Queen's birthday award for ex-mayor
Ballarat: Moneghetti awarded OAM
Albury-Wodonga: They’re from all walks of life
Launceston: Crawford feels honoured
Warrnambool: McArthur born for political service
Tamworth: Kathy’s contribution is loud and clear
Chair of the Council of the Order, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Retd), said the awards recognise service across a broad range of endeavours.
“They are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity," Air Chief Marshal Houston (Retd) said.
“By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models. The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulation. These awards also recognise the ‘quiet achievers’ in our midst. They are people who serve the community, but do not seek accolades.
“All Australians are encouraged to nominate fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of others for national recognition in the Honours List.”
Search for an award recipient by surname or postcode below, or browse the full list of recipients.
