Queen's Birthday Honours: Former Gilgandra Shire councillor Jill Blackman receives Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia

Tooraweenah 's Jill Blackman has clocked up decades of service across multiple community groups in the Gilgandra region, and it is this passionate work which has seen her named as a recipient of a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

Jill has been the editor of Toora Bungles Newsletter, Tooraweenah's Newsletter, since 1995.

She has served as the secretary and public relations officer for Ride for Life since 2005 and has been an advisory committee member for the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, since 2013.

A dedicated advocate for mental health, she has served as an executive member on the Advocates for Mental Health - Gilgandra Branch of the Mental Health Association NSW from 2003 to 2011.

Read also:

Her long list of community involvement includes multiple roles as secretary for a number of organisations including Tooraweenah Endurance Riders (1988-1992), Tom Quilty National Endurance Championship (1990-1991), Kookaburra Recruiting March Re-Enactment (1986), Tooraweenah School Centenary (1984) and Tooraweenah Parents and Citizens Association (1983).

Jill has been a passionate member of the Tooraweenah CWA since 1985 and heavily involved in the Tooraweenah Show Society.

She served numerous roles on the Gilgandra Shire Council, including as deputy mayor from 1990-1991; 1994-1995 and 1997-1998 and councillor from 1987-1999.