Resident celebrates Australia Day honour

Pearl Beach residents celebrated with Mr Henry Mendelson, who was honoured with an Order of Australia, at the recent Australia Day celebrations held on the beachfront.

The award was accompanied by a citation for services to the community through a range of organisations.

One organisation was the Royal Guide Dog Association where Mr Mendelson held a number of positions on the executive and including president and national president.

Mr Mendelson was a member of the Salvation Army SE Command and NSW Council of Christians and Jews, as well as being a member of the Jewish National Fund.

He was best known locally for his contributions to the Peninsula community and the Pearl Beach Progress Association.

Mr Mendelson was also impresario for over 10 years to the popular Annual Chamber Music festival and Jazz Festivals at Pearl Beach.

The Reverend Dr Peter Swain of Umina Beach was also presented with an Australia Day award for service to the Uniting Church in Australia and to religious education, particularly through Newington College and the Australian Association for Religious Education.

Dr Swain was unavailable for comment.

Press release, February 4 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association