A NUMBER of Wimmera residents have been recognised for their contributions as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
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The Wimmera Mail-Times spoke to the 2021 recipients about why they give back to their communities.
Quantong, Lance Netherway, OAM
Mr Netherway was recognised for his services to the community of Wimmera Mallee via the Wimmera Mallee Rural Water Authority, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Grains Crop Research Plant Breeding Centre.
"It's something I've never dreamt of," Mr Netherway.
"You go through life, and you do all these things and work with some beautiful people.
"For this to turn up is quite exciting."
Dimboola, Pamela Cupper, OAM
Ms Cupper was recognised for her services to education, and to the preservation of military history
"It feels great. I am very honoured, a little bit wondering why," Ms Cupper said.
"I have always worked very hard in education, for which you are paid, and I have worked very hard in military history, for which you are not paid.
"I have always argued for the preservation of history in schools too, I think that has been very important because without it I think we would be a poorer country."
Minyip, Shirley Smith, OAM
Mrs Smith was recognised for her services her work with the Minyip and District Historical Society, Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, and various community groups.
"I was worried I was having a heart attack. So I got up and made myself a cup of tea. I've never experienced anything like it in my life."
Yaapeet, Claire White, OAM
Mrs White was recognised for her services to the community of Yaapeet via the Yaapeet Community Club, History Board and Department of Education and Training.
"I was very fortunate to have many beautiful young kids, wonderful parents and teachers to work with. I have been very blessed," she said.
Horsham, Dr Alan Wolff, OAM
Dr Wolff was recognised for his services to to medicine as director of medical services at the Wimmera Health Care Group and founder of the Clinical Pathway Program.
"I was initially pleasantly surprised when I received notification I would be receiving the award on the Queen's Birthday. It's nothing something I was expecting. It's nice to know it will leave some sort of legacy and the pathway program will be continued to be used in many years to come.
"The Wimmera Health Care Group has been enormously supportive and allowed me to do a whole lot of innovative things and continues to be supportive.
"It's been really fantastic."
Wycheproof, Peta Credlin, AO
Ms Credlin was recognised for her distinguished services to parliament and politics, to policy development, and to the executive function of government.
"It is really humbling actually for it to be your name on the list," she said.
"And not all the others that you think are good to nominate in the community. It is something."