They work hard for their communities and don't expect any reward, but it's nice to get one don't you think.

A longtime member of Rotary and Zonta, Tamworth’s Jane Bradford OAM received the Noel Park Award in 2015. 

Ms Bradford was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division, for her service to the community spanning many decades. She co-founded Tamworth Secretaries (now Connect – Tamworth Women’s Network); is a former committee member and secretary for the Tamworth and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (now Tamworth Business Chamber); and was a driving force behind the Queen of Country Music Quest.

Dr Stephen Howle  OAM has been a general practitioner since 1975 and a GP supervisor for 40 years, helping to train the next generation of doctors.

His award for service to medicine is the culmination of decades of commitment to the New England.

A Rotarian (Rotary Club of Tamworth West) for half a century, Hillvue’s Gordon Austin  OAM has served the community through a variety of groups, including as a former committee member for Tamworth and District Relay for Life, North West Region, Cancer Council of New South Wales, and the Tamworth Chamber of Commerce. He’s also a past recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow and John Rogers Award through Rotary International.

A former Namoi region volunteer deputy controller with the State Emergency Service (SES), Tamworth man Glenn Jones has given thousands of hours to the organisation in varying capacities. He was awarded an Emergency Services Medal. 

Well-known for being the face of the local Fire and Rescue NSW brigade, Superintendent Alan Thomas (Tom) Cooper was recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal, for his 31 years of exemplary service.

Michael Logan AM (Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia) – Narrabri

For significant service to primary industry through rural research and sustainable development programs – working with the dairy and cotton industries. 

Sophie Masson AM – Invergowrie

For significant service to literature as an author and publisher, and through roles with industry organisations, including the Australian Society of Authors. 

Maxwell Tavener OAM – Armidale

For service to veterans and their families, as a former secretary and treasurer of the Armidale sub-branch of the RSL, and Armidale Legacy, where he has served as president and senior vice-president.

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Dr Adrian Allen OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division) – Walcha

For service to medicine and to the community of Walcha since 1988, as a GP and visiting medical officer from 1988 to 2017.

Douglas Hawkins OAM – Quirindi

For service to veterans and their families, through his numerous roles with the Returned Services League (RSL). He is also deputy mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire Council and a past president of the Quirindi Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.

Colin Stewart OAM – Quirindi

For service to the community of Quirindi as a member of the Quirindi District Rescue Squad, Quirindi Shire Council, RSL, Liverpool Plains Shire Council and Apex Club. 

Pauline Stewart OAM – Quirindi

For service to the community of Quirindi, including as treasurer of the Quirindi District Rescue Squad, treasurer of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, treasurer of the Quirindi Chamber of Commerce and rescue operator with the Quirindi District Rescue Squad.

Ronald Davis OAM – Armidale

For service to heritage preservation. A member of the Arts Culture and Heritage Committee and property manager of Saumarez Homestead since 2010, Mr Davis is also a previous winner of an Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Trust of Australia.

Margaret Kennedy OAM – Armidale

For service to the community of Armidale. A former teacher and advocate for disability services Mrs Kennedy also founded Home Care Armidale and helped to re-establish the Armidale Drama and Musical Society.

Leslie Moulds OAM – Inverell

For service to the tourism industry. Tourism manager for Inverell Shire Council for 20 years until 2010, Mr Moulds has an affinity with many of the region’s iconic events, including Opera in the Paddock and the Sapphire City and Tom Roberts Festivals.

Susan Price OAM – Mungindi

For service to local government and Mungindi. Ms Price co-founded the Australian Rural Road Group and was a founding member of the Mungindi Crime Prevention Committee and the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre. She’s also been a member of the ladies’ auxilliary, Mungindi Town Choir and on the board of Regional Development Australia Northern Inland.

Dr Venny Gerald Armanno OAM – Kootingal

With Kootingal Medical Centre since 1977, Dr Armanno is being honoured for service to medicine, particularly in the field of general practice.

Kerrie Sturtridge OAM – Glen Innes

For service to the community of Glen Innes, through groups like VIEW and Quota International. Mrs Sturtridge is also an advocate for disability access and organised the Glen Innes Disability Expo.

Lawrence Dawson OAM – Coonabarabran

For service to the community, particularly through BlazeAid, which was given the Freedom of the Shire of Warrumbungle. 

Wilfred Kelly OAM – Upper Horton

For service to the community of Upper Horton through sporting clubs including Upper Horton Pony Club and Upper Horton Sports Club. He’s a life member of the Australian Bushman’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association.

Dr Phillip Brownlie OAM – Uralla

For service to medicine as a general practitioner, at Glen Innes hospital and other rural areas over 40 years. A former lecturer and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Brownlie was also a former Commanding Officer, 3 RAAF Hospital.

John Gill (Australian Fire Service Medal) – Bingara

Appointed as a retained firefighter in 1972, John Gill was previously recognised as Bingara’s Citizen of the Year in 2015.