It’s an honour

A Medal of the Order of Australia.

By Casey Neill

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List was littered with recipients with ties to Greater Dandenong.

Andrew Crockett was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the law, particularly to legal aid.

The nod also recognised the Hawthorn man’s service to education and the community.

Mr Crockett was a solicitor at Springvale Monash Legal Service in 1996 and served as a board member from 1999 to 2006.

After that he became the CEO at Legal Aid Commission ACT.

He’s now the Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (VACCRO) board secretary.

John Hanlon and Brendan Kincade received Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to veterans and their families.

Mr Hanlon, from Cobram, helped to plan the annual RSL Springvale Remembrance Service from 2011 to 2017.

Mr Kincade, from Hastings, was a volunteer pension officer at the Noble Park RSL from 1998 to 2008.

He took on the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch vice-president role last year.

Arvind Srivastava received an OAM for service to the Indian community of Melbourne.

The Torquay man’s service includes a stint as the City of Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network president from 2004 to 2006.

Angela Wheelton, who lives in Southbank, received an OAM for service to the community through a range of organisations.

Among those was the Endeavour Hills Netball Club, where she was a coach.

She was also involved in Life Education Victoria, known for Healthy Harold the giraffe, the Bali Children Foundation, and Wheelton Philanthropy.

Two Australian Police Medal (APM) recipients can also claim ties to Greater Dandenong.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Jennifer Parker performed general duties at the Dandenong Police Station in November 1998 before transferring to Melbourne Prosecutions.

She then transferred to Benalla to specialise in sex offence and child abuse investigation.

Superintendent Michael John Glowaski served as Dandenong Divisional Manager during his 37-year career with Victoria Police.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia.

Visit www.gg.gov.au to submit a nomination.