Awards for caring and coaching

TWO Berwick residents who dedicated much of their life to helping others received prestigious honours last weekend.
Laurence Francis Harkin from Berwick received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his significant service to the community, particularly through the care and protection of people with a disability.
Norma Plummer was a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the sport of netball as a coach and representative player.
The Order of Australia relies entirely upon community initiative for submission of nominations.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Chancellor of the Order of Australia, approved the awards which were announced on 26 January in the Australia Day 2013 Honours List.
“They elevate the concept of giving to others.
“They heighten out respect for one another and they encourage Australians to think about the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy,” Ms Bryce said.
“Awards in the Australia honours system represent the highest level of recognition accorded by our nation for outstanding achievement and service.
“The honours announced recognised community values and celebrate what is important and unifying in Australian life.”
Mr Harkin has dedicated many years to helping others.
He has been a Disability Service Commissioner for Victoria since 2007, worked as a Regional Director of the Gippsland Region from 2000 to 2002 and as a Regional Director for Southern Metropolitan Region Department of Human Services from 2002 to 2007.
Mr Harkin was also the Director of Human Services for the City of Glen Eira from 1998 until 2000, a Director of the Resources Secretariat, The Salvation Army during the 1990s and Director of the Social Services during the 1990s.
He was the Inaugural President of the Children’s Protection Society (Westernport region) during the 1970s and early 1980s and has also been a Justice of the Peace since 1992.
Mrs Plummer has been bound to the game of netball since she first played when she was eight-years-old. More than 50 years later, she has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the sport as a coach and player.
Having years of playing, coaching and running the Melbourne Phoenix Netball Club and Melbourne Waverley Netball Club (amalgamation of Melbourne Netball Club and Waverley Netball Club), Ms Plummer started working as a coach for the Australian Institute of Sport and then moved to the Australian Netball Diamonds.
She has five World Championships under her belt, as a player or coach.
Ms Plummer is now the current coach for the West Coast Fever Netball Team, based in Perth.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Ret’d), Chair of the Council of the Order, said the awards were public recognition of people who provided outstanding community service and whose achievements enhanced national identity.
“By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulations.
“These awards also recognise the quiet achievers in our midst.
“They are people who serve the community but do not seek accolades.”