Four Moira Shire residents have been recognised as part of the Australia Day 2024 Honours List as recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to their communities. Recipients come from across the Moira Shire, including Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah and Yarrawonga.
Heather Barrie, Rosemary Kennett, Brian Keenan and Lynette Franklin were celebrated by the Panel of Administrators at the February Council Meeting, with Chair Administrator John Tanner AM presenting those in attendance with a certificate of acknowledgement for their community service.
“It was a great honour to recognise our local OAM recipients and acknowledge their years of service to the Moira Shire and beyond,” Chair Administrator Tanner AM said.
“From the Country Fire Authority, Moira FoodShare and Meals on Wheels to historical societies and development committees, Heather, Rosemary, Brian and Lynette have dedicated decades of time to serving others. Their devotion to service and contributions to our communities are exceptional. Council extends our congratulations to Heather, Rosemary, Brian and Lynette on this outstanding achievement.”
Recipients will be presented with their medal at a ceremony at Government House in April by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC.
Moira Shire OAM Recipients
Heather Barrie – For the years of service to the Cobram community. Heather has worked as a volunteer at Moira FoodShare since 2003 and at the Cobram Support and Information Service for the last 40 years. Previously, she was a volunteer camp co-ordinator at the Portsea Camp from 1996 to 2020 and volunteered at Ottrey Lodge in Cobram with carpet bowls and bingo.
Heather’s role at the Cobram Support and Information Service is to help people who need assistance with finances and access government services.
Rosemary Kennett – Given for her service to the Numurkah community. Rosemary has volunteered at several organisations, including Numurkah and District Historical Society, Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge, Numurkah and District Development Committee and MHA Care Meals on Wheels Numurkah.
Rosemary’s service to the community have previously been acknowledged, having been honoured as the Numurkah Citizen of the Year in 2020.
Brian Keenan – Given for service to the community of Yarrawonga. Brian’s decades-long community service includes 67 years with the Country Fire Authority in which he was Yarrawonga Brigade Captain for 30 years from 1976-2006 and Almonds Fire Brigade Captain for 10 years during his 1957-1975 time at Almonds.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Brian was Controller, Yarrawonga Unit of the Victorian State Emergency Service for 10 years.
Brian is a Life Member of the Country Fire Authority and Ambulance Victoria and was made an Honorary Life Member of Yarrawonga and District Agricultural and Pastoral Association in 2000. Brian was a Council member from 1970 to 2000. During his 16 years as a councillor on Moira Shire Council from 2000 to 2016, Brian was mayor in 2013. In 2015, he received the 15 Year Service Award, Municipal Association of Victoria.
Lynette Franklin – Given for her research and work in local history and her volunteer work in the community. Lyn is an avid researcher and has been the chief researcher for the Nathalia and District Historical Society and the Nathalia Genealogy Group for over 20 years. Lyn has authored a number of local historical books.
Lyn’s community volunteer roles included newsletter editor for Nathalia Probus Club (20 years), Secretary for Barwo Homestead (25 years), former member of the Committee of Management for Nathalia District Hospital (10 years), and Councillor for Nathalia Shire (now part of the Moira Shire) between 1992-1994. Lyn was the only woman on the Council and the second female Councillor in Nathalia’s history. Some of Lyn’s former community work also includes being a Lay Preacher with the Uniting Church of Australia, a member of Numurkah Singers, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Broken Creek Improvement Group, Landcare Victoria, and a member and researcher for the Nathalia Cemetery Trust from 2016-2023.
