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Media Release

Regional arts achievers on the Queens Birthday Honours list

12 June 2007

THIS year's Queen's Birthday Honours list has recognised 524 Australians for their outstanding achievements and service to the community, including many for their work in the arts.

Philanthropist and former Chair of the Australia Council, David Gonski, was recognised for his service to the arts with one of just six awards of the Companion of the Order of Australia. Also on the list was rock singer, Billy Thorpe, who died earlier this year.

A number of perhaps more quiet achievers from regional NSW were also singled out for their service to the arts including:

• Sergio de Pieri, of Gol Gol, for service to the arts as an organ teacher, composer and performer, and to the community through the establishment of music festivals
  
• Maureen Eddy, of Marulan, for service to the community through local government and a range of service, arts and charitable organisations
  
• Mary Fitzgerald, of Parkes, for service to education as a music teacher, particularly piano, violin and singing, and to the community
  
• Flora Haste, of Wagga Wagga, for service to the community through arts and charitable organisations, and to the field of accountancy
  
• Susan Metcalfe, of Armidale, for service to the community as a contributor to the development of music education and performance in the Armidale district and
  
• Colin Munro, of Burrawang, for service to regional Australia through the promotion and preservation of rural culture, particularly through television and radio.

Regional Arts NSW congratulates them all.

The full list of Queens Birthday Honours is available online at www.itsanhonour.gov.au.