Honours to local residents

Local residents Dr David Dufty and Professor Jillian Roe have been recognised for their contribution and service to fellow citizens on this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Dr Dufty and Professor Roe joined 524 other recipients nationally to receive an award in the Order of Australia.

Dr Dufty of Killcare was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to education and the community of the Bouddi Peninsula area.

"I am very happy and honoured by the award," Dr Dufty said.

"It is not common for something like education to be recognised like this."

Dr Dufty played an important role in developing and implementing the social and cultural curriculum taught in NSW senior high schools.

"Developing the Society and Culture subject in NSW schools and celebrating its success 21 years later would have to be a highlight of my career," Dr Dufty said.

"It has been a success getting students to gain a better cultural and social understanding, greater than their own identity."

Dr Dufty said his wife Helen has been very supportive throughout his career in education and services in the community.

"Helen and I are very much a team," Dr Dufty said.

"Her endless love and support do not go unnoticed."

Dr Dufty and his wife Helen continue to enjoy living in the area for its beauty and diversity.

"The area is so diverse with the sea, bay, rainforests and animals all in arm's reach," Dr Dufty said.

"For any creative person in the area, there is so much to react to... to paint, to draw, to write music and poetry."

"It is such a wonderful place to live."

Dr Dufty continues to serve the community through his work as leader with the Bouddi Bitou Bashers and the Bouddi Society's History Making project.

The Bouddi Bitou Bashers are a group of volunteers determined to eliminate bitou bush and lantana from the Bouddi National Park.

Pearl Beach resident Professor Roe was awarded the Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to the community through the promotion of Australian history, to education and through executive roles in professional organisations.

Professor Roe has written eight publications including The Papers and Works of Max Kelly and History for the People.

As current President for the History Council of NSW, Professor Roe has been involved with several panels and groups including the Royal Australian Historical Society, the Australian Society for the Study of Labour History and the Australian Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor Roe was also a senior lecturer and professor at Macquarie University until 2003.

This is not the first time Professor Roe has been recognised for her work.

She received the 2001 Centenary Medal and the Australian Historical Association Medal in 2003.

Professor Roe was not available for comment at time of printing.

Clare Graham, 7 Jun 2007