Susanna Freymark
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland was allowed to take three guests with her to receive her Order of Australia Medal (OAM) at Government House in Sydney on Friday, September 25.
She took her husband Simon Dejoux and her mother and sister to the award ceremony where Governor Margaret Beazley presented the medals and certificates.
Ms Mulholland’s OAM was for service to local government, and to the community of Kyogle.
“I didn’t put my hand up for council for the accolades – it’s about making a positive difference,” Ms Mulholland said.
“When people vote for you, it’s a responsibility.”
Ms Mulholland said the OAM wasn’t just about her.
“If I could cut it into bits, I’d give it to Simon and my family,” she said.
“Simon is my champion, he drives me everywhere and he does a lot in the background.
“I see this as a win for our council area.”
She said she was still “a little bit in shock.”
Three years ago, she received a call about getting an OAM and then forgot all about it until she was notified in January this year.
She thanked her supporters.
“Anyone who supported me, questioned me, walked beside me or disagreed with me,” she said.
“Receiving the OAM is a privilege and responsibility.”
Ms Mulholland wasn’t told who nominated her. The box with her medal, a mini medal and a lapel pin and certificate is at her home in Gradys Creek.
She’ll wear the pin or mini medal at Anzac Day and Australia Day ceremonies.
Other OAM recipients from the Kyogle LGA include:
Roz Knights (2025) for her work at Kyogle Food Pantry and as a Kyogle Lions Club member.
Tom Fitzgerald (2007) for services to the community in the areas of health, aged care, business and commerce.
Margaret Ellis (2014) for service to Kyogle through being a Life Member of the Kyogle Netball Association, Kyogle Bowling Club director, the Kyogle Show Society, Kyogle Rodeo and other community organisations.
Jack McDonough (2016) for his service to veterans and their families. He is involved in the Kyogle Sub Branch of the Returned Services League. Mr McDonough was also vice president of the 41st Battalion Royal NSW Regiment Association. He is a Life Member of the Kyogle Amateur Swimming Club.
Pamela Campbell from Geneva (2023) for her service to the Kyogle community.
The late John Shirley (2019, posthumous). His was a Kyogle Lions Club member from 1952 to 2018, described as the longest serving Lions member in Australia until his death.
Bruce McKenzie from Loadstone (2018). He was recognised for service to veterans and their families. He was president of the Kyogle RSL Sub Branch from 2009 to 2015 and its welfare and pension officer since 1981.
Frederick Finch, Kyogle (Australia Day 2017). He was recognised for service to maritime history preservation as founder and coordinator of the Finch Family Maritime Museum for more than 60 years until 2015, and co-author of Forgotten Fleet (1995).
Eric Taylor from Woodenbong (2014). He was secretary and trustee of the Woodenbong Public Hall for more than 60 years, a volunteer cinema projectionist from the 1950s, and president and life member of Woodenbong Golf Club. He also served as secretary, treasurer and elder of the Woodenbong-Urbenville Uniting Church from the 1970s.