Emeritus Professor Ian Riley of Bawley Point was awarded the highest local honour, a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, for his significant service to tertiary medical education, notably to tropical health.

The now 82-year-old has a long connection with Papua New Guinea [PNG], first travelling there in a medical role in 1964.

Berry's Hazel King and Jaspers Brush's Julia Armstrong were both awarded OAM's, Order of Australia Medals, for service to horticulture and community history in the Shoalhaven and service to the performing arts through theatre support roles, respectively.

Well-known former Shoalhaven and Ballina resident, the late Don Ellison was awarded the OAM for his service to horticulture. Mr Ellison, who passed away in August last year aged 86, according to his family "lived, ate and slept everything horticulture".

Naval Commander Moses Raudino was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in the field of navy training, in particular his work at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell.

Marine Rescue Shoalhaven's Michael Boadle was awarded the Emergency Services Medal. Incredibly, during his 11 years of volunteering with Marine Rescue Shoalhaven, Mr Boadle, from Orient Point, has taken part in 325 rescue operations, often in hazardous conditions.

South Coast Correctional Centre's Senior Services and Programs Officer, Sarah Howard was awarded the Australian Corrections Medal for distinguished service.

On the sporting front, Gerringong's Ruan Sims, a trailblazer for women in rugby league, was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to rugby league.

All eight have one thing in common - they never set out in their various roles seeking accolades, but they are certainly well-deserved.

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