Australia Day honours

Happy Australia Day 2009.

Today in the Australia Day Honors a number of Media and Arts personalities are amongst those recognised.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
John Anthony BELL AM OBE, Woollahra, NSW. For service to the performing arts, nationally and internationally, as an actor and a director, as a supporter of emerging artists, and through a range of educational programs.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Geoffrey John ATHERDEN, Mosman, NSW. For service to the television industry as a scriptwriter, and to the advancement of writers for performance through executive roles with professional organisations.

Brian Weir HENDERSON, Middle Cove, NSW. For service as a pioneer in the television news and entertainment sectors, and as a mentor to aspiring and established presenters, readers and journalists.

Marcia Elaine HINES, Broadway, NSW. For service to the entertainment industry as a performer, judge and mentor, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations.

Mr Norman Alfred MAY OAM , Bondi NSW. For service to the community through promotional and support roles with the Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games Team Appeals and through cultural and seniors’ organisations.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Ms Rebel PENFOLD-RUSSELL, Bondi Beach NSW. For service to the community, particularly through philanthropic support for the arts and a range of charitable organisations.

And Justice Sackville, best known for his hearing of the notorious C7 pay-TV “mega-litigation,” was recognised “for service to the administration of the Australian judicial system, to the reform of federal and state law and to legal education”.

Scriptwriter Geoffrey Atherden is best known for creating the ABC’s hit series Mother and Son, plus Grass Roots while actor Rebel Penfold-Russell who appeared in Prisoner also went on to become a producer of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Brian Henderson, who holds the record for the longest serving newsreader in Australia, has received the honour for his service as a pioneer in the television news and entertainment sectors.

The honour also acknowledges his service as a mentor to aspiring and established presenters, readers and journalists.

A delighted Henderson said it was very “unexpected”.

“I retired six years ago, you would have thought if there was going to be any sort of award it would probably happen as I finished up,” Henderson said.

“But six years on, I’m surprised.”

Source: smh.com.au, The West, The Australian, Herald Sun