THE Port Macquarie-Hastings was strongly represented in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours in both the Order of Australia and Meritorious Awards divisions.
In addition to the Australian Police Medal awarded to Mid North Coast Police District Superintendent Shane Cribb, are the volunteers, advocates and experts who have been recognised for their contribution to the community.
Marita and Dr Colin Crighton OAM
Marita and Dr Colin Crighton are no ordinary couple.
Both have been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for their shared interest in improving the lives of the Hastings’ older residents.
Mrs Crighton was acknowledged for her service to community health.
“Marita has worked with the Hastings Home Hospice team for more than three decades, supporting palliative care patients,” Mid North Coast Health shared.
She has served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and as a committee member.
It is hoped her recognition will encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
Like her husband, she is a member of the Port Macquarie branch of National Seniors Australia, and has been involved in the University of the Third Age (U3A).
Dr Crighton’s citation is for service to the community of Port Macquarie in his capacity as a former geriatric doctor, general practitioner, surgeon-obstetrician and Mixed Probus Club member.
He is also a keen target shooter and has been a member of the Oxley Pistol Club and Port Macquarie Clay Target Club.
Erika Gleeson OAM
Disability advocate Erika Gleeson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the disability industry.
Best known as the founder of Autism Swim, Ms Gleeson has also served the community in the following roles:
– Senior Behaviour Specialist and Disability Consultant, since 2013.
– Guest university lecturer, since 2013.
– Director on multiple Disability/Inclusion Boards, since 2013.
– Consultant, NSW Police on Wandering Responses, 2020
– Behavioural Specialist, The Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis, 2013-2016.
– Clinical Trainer and Consultant, Equalis, 2011-2013.
Ms Gleeson shared that she was “incredibly honoured” to receive the award.
“After 16 years in a career I love deeply, it’s been a privilege to witness the evolution of our industry and to see the world, albeit [very] slowly, become more neuroaffirming.
“The timing is especially meaningful as Autism Swim celebrates its 10th anniversary.
“There is still a very long road ahead, but with 1:5 people having a disability, any spotlight on the disability sector is ever so necessary.
“In a time when parts of the world are moving backwards, I’m especially grateful to be surrounded by people who push the inclusion movement forwards.”
Karen McKay (OAM)
Port Macquarie’s Karen McKay will receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to early childhood education.
Mrs McKay spent an incredible 43 years as the Director of St Joseph’s Early Childhood Services in Laurieton, between 1980-2023.
“Throughout her time with us, Karen demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the care, development, and learning of young children,” the service shared.
“Her deep knowledge, leadership, and tireless advocacy for quality early learning left an indelible mark not only on our service, but also on the broader educational community.”
In acknowledging her well-wishers, Ms McKay said she missed her “past life” but now volunteers as “gardener in the dementia wing at my Dad’s aged care facility.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
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