Athletics volunteers recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Athletics Australia congratulates the recipients of Queen’s Birthday Honours announced today.

Receiving the highest award, Kurt Fearnley is appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to people with a disability, as a supporter of, and fundraiser for, Indigenous athletics and charitable organisations, and as a Paralympic athlete.

Athletics Australia’s CEO Darren Gocher was full of praise for the outstanding contribution Fearnley has made to the sport.

“Kurt is an iconic Australian, not just for his achievements on the track, but his tireless work for charities, indigenous athletics and his leadership and work as an advocate for people with a disability.”

Six members of the athletics fraternity were awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for varying and significant contributions to the sport of athletics.

Gocher also congratulated the OAM recipients.

“Athletics relies heavily on it’s volunteers and it is tremendous to see so many recognised for their contribution to athletes, often a lifetime of dedication.”

Olympic and Commonwealth Games coach Neville Sillitoe has been recognised for his services to athletics. He coached Olympians including Peter Norman, Greg Lewis and Denise Boyd, but also coached for over 30 years at Caulfield Grammar School and two Athletics Victoria clubs.

Adelaide Olympic photo finish judge, Ian Boswell, who is a Life Governor of Australia has been recognised for his services to athletics with an OAM.

Olympic athlete Terri Cater has received an OAM for her service to athletics including her role as Athletics Australia team coach and Athletics International committee member.

Former international hurdler, Lyn Foreman has been awarded an OAM for services to athletics, including contributions as national coach, 20 years with the Western Australian Institute of Sport and coach education.

South Australia’s Robert Hussey receives an OAM for services to athletics. His 40 years contribution as a committee member of Adelaide’s leading fun run the City-Bay leads his involvement in athletics. He has also served as an Athletics SA official for four decades.

A regularly seen coaching at the track at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Alan Makin has been recognised for his services to athletes and to people with a disability. He has coached athletes with a disability at club and international level for over 20 years.

We also note the OAM awards to Gregory Petersen (SA) for service to athletics, primarily Little Athletics and former Athletics Australia Finance Manager, Bruce Hill (VIC) for services to AFL. We also recognise former athlete Richelle Hume (WA) who received an AM for services to indigenous community programs.

David Tarbotton for Athletics Australia