Three receive Birthday Honours

Three Peninsula residents were recognised for their contribution and service to the community in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Umina residents Alan Ford and Margaret Callingham and Richard Stewart of Pearl Beach received an award in the Order of Australia for various works throughout the local community.

Mr Richard Stewart is the longest serving member of the Whale Beach Branch Surf Life Saving Club, having been a member for more than 50 years and club president for 13 years.

He is acknowledged for his work in organising the Big Swim, a sea swim from Pearl Beach to Whale Beach which boasts more than 1500 competitors every Australia Day.

Mr Stewart is also recognised for his work with the Uniting Church particularly with the organisation Frontier Services which provides aged care, health and community services, and pastoral support to people in Outback Australia.

"I've been a member since 1993 and not many people know about us but we do some important work," Mr Stewart said.

"It blew me right away to receive the award."

Mr Ford will be awarded the Order of Australia for his service to the community of the Central Coast and to local government.

Mr Ford was a member of Woy Woy Rotoract for five years in the early 70s and held numerous board positions.

He has also been a member of the Woy Woy Rotary club since 1983 and was president from 1987 to 1988, and has participated in The Red Shield Appeal, Clean Up Australia Day and other volunteer programs.

Mr Ford has also been involved in the Gosford Scout District since 1955 and an employee of Gosford Council since 1965.

"It was quite a surprise," Mr Ford said.

"I do all these things because I like them.

"I've found out a bit more about it, like who voted for me and I've received great support from people at the Rotary, Scouts, the church and the council as well."

Ms Callingham will receive the award for service to the community through the McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge, and to the surf lifesaving movement.

The awards ceremony is expected to be held later this year and will take place in Canberra with the awards being presented by the Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

Press release, 5 Jun 2009 Quentin Bryce, Governor-General Kevin Holloway, 12 Jun 2009 Interviewee: Alan Ford, Umina Richard Stewart, Pearl Beach