Two Bunbury men honoured for community work

Two Bunbury men were today recognised on the Australia Day 2018 Honours List for their work in the community.

Freeman of the City John Castrilli was bestowed the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to the people and Parliament of Western Australia and John Sherwood was awarded the same honour for his service to Indigenous education.

Mr Castrilli and Mr Sherwood were among 641 recipients of the award, which recognises service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.

The Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove approved 895 awards to be announced today, which recognise a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields.

“To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation,” the Governor-General said.

“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system.

“For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians. Today, we add a new group of names to those we should all admire.

“Today’s recipients now join the company of many women and men whose meritorious and brave actions have enriched our community and our lives. Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us.

“On behalf of all Australians, I thank them for their contributions. We are a stronger, safer and more caring nation because of them.”