JourneyOnline
The Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, has approved awards for 662 recipients in the Australia Day 2006 Honours List.
Mr John Martin Butters of Victoria Point, Queensland was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Mr Butters was recognised for service to education promoting adult learning opportunities, and to the community through the Uniting Church in Australia.
He was inaugural President of the Redlands District University of the Third Age, was a coordinator for the Life in Australia program, and worked with Redland District Committee on the Ageing.
Mr Butters is a serving Lay Preacher and Elder at Cleveland Uniting Church and has been involved in supporting the chaplaincy service at Cleveland District High School.
"It gives me a great sense of humility and I’m most grateful to those who have nominated me but it also gives me a sense of pride for the wonderful organisations, especially U3A, which have been such a part of my life for the last eight years here in the Redlands," Mr Butters told the Bayside Bulletin.
Joyce Knight from the Mt Mee was also awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia
In 1985 Joyce brought together a group of ladies as a committee to rescue the Mt Mee Community Church from its derelict condition at that time.
Under Joyce’s presidency over twenty years, this committee has brought the building and grounds up to showpiece condition.
An Anglican herself, Joyce has managed to maintain the unity of the Christian fellowship at the Mt Mee church which is a Uniting Church property, historically and currently shared with other denominations.
Joyce was President of the Country Women’s Association Mt Mee branch for five years, with terms also as Vice-President, Secretary and International Officer and she also served as Secretary of the Public Hall Committee for fourteen years and continues to serve as its Booking Officer.
Community Minister at Mt Mee Dr Paul Inglis said that the Mt Mee people are also thankful for Joyce’s ability in the areas of catering and culinary arts.
"A great many local functions have benefitted over the years as Joyce has given her time and energies to establish Mt Mee’s reputation for top country cuisine.," he said.
"There are few activities at Mt Mee undertaken without reference to Joyce for advice and support, and Joyce can be assured that the local community will be delighted that her work has received this richly-deserved recognition.
Read a full report on Mr John Butters award in the Bayside Bulletin HERE.
Photo : John Butters OAM lay preacher and elder at the Cleveland Uniting Church
