Three locals have been honoured with the prestigious Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day, recognising their exceptional contributions to the community.
Dr Andre Conradie was awarded for his service to medicine and to community health while Gin Gin’s Charles Garwood was honoured for his service to community and to emergency response organisations.
Jennifer Waldron of Bullyard was also a recipient for her service to veterans.
Cardiologist Dr Conradie has led the set up for Bundaberg’s cardiac care offerings over the past 20 years.
Last year, he discussed his commitment to finding more ways to close the regional care gap in Bundaberg and prepare for the increase in patients that comes with an increasing and ageing population.
“Thanks to technological advancements, we are seeing better outcomes for patients in the region,” he said.
“With the right tools in hand and the right people on the team, we’ll be able to prepare for the growing number of patients.”
In May 2024, Mr Garwood was the recipient of a Bundaberg Regional Council volunteer award where he shared his passion for the community.
“Over the years, I was an ambulance officer, I was an electrician, a firefighter, so I picked up a lot of skills, a lot of knowledge over those years,” he said.
“Now I have a choice; I can either sit back, relax and put my feet up for the rest of my life… or I can impart that knowledge.
“This country runs on volunteers.”
Third recipient Jenny Waldron joined the Australian Army in 1980 following three years in the Army Reserve in Tasmania.
In her 20 years of service, she attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class One and served on peace making operations in Somalia in 1984 and peace operations in Bougainville in 1997/1998.
Last year, Jenny spoke about her involvement in Bundaberg District Women Veterans Inc, an association of volunteer women veterans who share the bond of military service and work to enhance the reputation of those who served.
“We are a group of women veterans who have all either served or are currently serving in the Australian and Allied Defence Forces,” Jenny said.
“We were founded by WWII women veterans and among our first members were four WWI nurses.
“We have women from WWII to the current day in our association and we focus on providing wellbeing and social activities for our members.”
Dr Conradie, Mr Garwood and Ms Waldron were three of 732 Australians recognised for their commitment and dedication this year.
Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn congratulated the 2025 Australia Day honours recipients.
“Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation,” she said.
“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life.
“Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.
“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system.
“We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.
“To all Australians, nominating and honouring our fellow Australians is a meaningful way of saying, as a nation, thank you.
“To all the remarkable 2025 Australia Day honours recipients today we celebrate you.”
You can find the full list here.
