Three inspiring Greater Bunbury residents are among 891 recipients of the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List awarded on Monday.
The List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community work, Australia’s Defence Force and Emergency Services.
Phyllis Barnes was one of the recipients for her service to the Bunbury community, following six years as a Bunbury City Councillor and Chair of both the Bunbury City Council’s Art Collection and the Stirling Street Arts Committee.
Mrs Barnes is also recognised for her membership in the Bunbury Historical Society, the Heritage Advisory Committee, Bunbury Oral History Group, Bunbury Port Authority and the South West Association for the Physically Handicapped (now Morrissey Homestead).
Not one to settle down, Mrs Barnes is the author of a number of books including Bunbury Images – People and Places and Marlston Hill and All That from the early 2000’s. She was the President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and recipient of the Bunbury Citizen of the Year award in 1992, among many other services and accolades.
Eileen Wenn has also received the prestigious honour for her service to the floral arts through a range of roles. Mrs Wenn is a floristry lecturer at South Metro TAFE and an accredited floral art judge for the West Australian Floral Art Society.
She is also a demonstrator, tutor and mentor for the Flower Designers' Club of Bunbury and has been President of the Australian Floral Art Association as well as Australian delegate for the World Association of Floral Artists.
Laurence Sanders from Boyanup also represented the South West on the Honours List for his service to the community of Boyanup.
Editor of The Boyanup Post since 1992, Mr Sanders was a councillor for the Shire of Capel for nine years and has been a member of the Boyanup Bush Fire Brigade since 1950.
A Freeman of the Shire of Capel, Mr Sanders is also recognised for his work with the Boyanup Anglican Church, Boyanup Lions Club and Farmer’s Union as well as his time as President on the Boyanup Hall Advisory Committee and contribution to the construction of a new fire station.
The Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said he was grateful for the contributions of all the recipients for creating a stronger, safer and more caring nation.
“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system,” Sir Cosgrove said.
“Today’s recipients now join the company of almost 50,000 women and men whose meritorious and brave actions have enriched our community and our lives. Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us.”