Queen's Birthday: five Ballarat people honoured

KEVIN Humphrey was surprised and honoured when he was told he had been included in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday honours. Mr Humphrey, of Ballarat, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for services to the community of Cressy. “I had a great example for volunteering from my parents, and other examples of leadership in the community,” he said.Mr Humphrey served as a captain of the Cressy Rural Fire Brigade, as well as a committee member for countless other community projects. He was one of five Ballarat-region people recognised in the traditional honours. Also recognised were Janet McCulloch of Ballarat, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for services to the arts and aged care. She was a foundation board member of the Ballarat Arts Foundation and a committee member of the Ballarat Organ Society. Mrs McCulloch is also an active volunteer with UnitingCare. Robert Osborne of Maryborough was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the general division for services to local government through a large number of health and sporting organisations. A former mayor of the City of Maryborough, Mr Osborne has been the popular compere of Carols by Candlelight for 26 years. Ian Voigt of Ballarat was awarded the Public Service Medal for service to land management, water and bio-diversity leadership. Michael Tudball of Bacchus Marsh was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for a unique and exemplary contribution to the CFA. Mr Tudball has held a number of senior leadership positions in the CFA, including involvement in organisational improvements.