When you work in the media you have the opportunity to write a variety of stories and meet many different people.
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While not all stories are good news I feel fortunate to have experienced many opportunities where my writing is focused on wonderful people in our community.
These opportunities cross my path throughout each and every year, but I always know that there are at least two occasions annually where I am certain to be extra impressed and inspired by the subject of a story.
Those times come on January 26 and on the long-weekend Monday in June, better known as the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
You see it is on these occasion that myself and my colleagues have the privilege of sharing the stories of people who have been recognised for their valuable and outstanding contributions in the community.
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They are the people recognised with an Australia Day or Queen's Birthday honour. For me, it has become an honour to share their stories.
This year in the Goulburn and surrounding areas we are sharing the stories of five wonderful people who have been recognised service to veterans (Brian Warren OAM), service to the community (Nerida Cullen OAM) and Gwenyth Doreen Warmington, service to women's affairs (Hannah Wandel) and service to animal welfare science and advocacy (Dr Belinda (Bidda) Sumner Jones).
A former Goulburn man Dr David O'Rourke has also been recognised for service to medicine and to the community of West Timor.
They have been recognised for their tireless efforts to make a difference in society.
When I hear their stories I am in awe of their passion and I feel grateful for their contributions that benefit so many other people.
I marvel at their dedication to what has often become a life-long commitment and I wonder what makes a person so selfless.
I reflect on my own actions in life. I note that, like many, I am not afraid to put my hand up to help out when I can as a volunteer. But I become blatantly aware that my contributions of generosity pale in comparison.
Those people who have been recognised with a Queen's Birthday Honour make me want to be a better person.
Thank you for your incredible efforts and thank you for the inspiration.
Jackie Meyers, editor
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