Two Macedon Ranges residents have been recognised for their contributions to the community, being named as members of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Riddells Creek’s Janet Wood and Mount Macedon’s David Mann were among 1007 Australians included in the list, which was announced on Monday.
Ms Wood was recognised for her significant service to aged welfare as an advocate for human rights, and for her work with the Uniting Church.
Ms Wood said she has been involved with the Uniting Church since it first started and was passionate about the social justice work it does.
“I was very much involved in issues around racism in my youth. It has always been a constant priority as it is an going issue. And then I became involved in the feminist movement, Indigenous cause and now ageing and ageism,” she said.
In addition to her work with the Uniting Church, Ms Walker has been a member of ministerial advisory councils for health, senior Victorians and affordable housing.
These days, she is involved in the Kyneton and District Health Service and Macedon Ranges council health and wellbeing advisory committee.
Mr Mann was recognised for his service to Victoria through charitable organisation, business, promotions and marketing.
A Mount Macedon resident since 1993, Mr Mann said he began volunteering because a mentor told him there was more to life than working on your paid job.
Over the years, he has been a member of numerous boards and organisations, including the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation (of which he is the chairman), the Queen Victoria Market board, Entertainment Assist and Chisholm Institute.
Locally, Mr Mann is the chairman of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve committee of management.
“[The memorial] is one of the second most important war memorials in the state. It is a wonderful place to honour those that have served,” he said.
