Her Majesty the Queen has recognised the skills and commitment of a wide range of staff members in the WA Public Service this Australia Day rewarding them with honours for their outstanding service, achievements, leadership and innovation in serving the people of the State.
The honours were released on Her Majesty’s behalf by the Governor-General, his Excellency General David Hurley, and include among other awards the PS-only honour, the Public Service Medal.
The honoured WA PS staff on Australia Day 2021 were:
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Keith John CARMODY PSM
For outstanding public service to the Western Australia Police Forces through chaplaincy roles.
Police Chaplain Keith Carmody has been a member of the Western Australia Police Force since August 1997 and has been a Police Chaplain since 2007.
During this time the need for chaplaincy services has increased significantly as officers who have experienced traumatic events see the benefits of speaking with chaplains.
Pastor Carmody works tirelessly to look after the mental and spiritual health of all police and public servants and is widely respected and admired by those in his care.
He undertakes baptisms, marriages, funerals, visits unwell officers and provides pastoral care for families in need. He is also a Pastor at his local church in Secret Harbour and Chaplain for the Fremantle Dockers Football Club.
Nicholas Anthony EGAN PSM
For outstanding public service as State Solicitor of Western Australia.
Mr Egan joined the Western Australian State Solicitor’s Office in 2005 and was appointed State Solicitor for the Western Australian Government in 2017.
He has developed, throughout his career, significant experience in providing advice on complex legal matters and is currently playing a lead role in advising on, negotiating, and resolving those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His critical advice in all stages of the pandemic has ensured a robust statutory framework in Western Australia for the effective operation of emergency management and public health responsibilities. These arrangements have enabled executive government, statutory officers, health and emergency management professionals, industry and the community to operate with certainty during these challenging times.
Mr Egan has worked tirelessly and with exceptional professionalism to support all aspects of the response, including providing legal advice, drafting legal directions and developing legislative amendments.
Vicki Joy McKEOWN PSM
For outstanding public service to education in Western Australia.
Ms McKeown serves as Principal of Coodanup College in the Western Australian Department of Education.
She is an inspiring leader and encourages her staff to always put the interests of students at the centre of everything they do. Her strong leadership has shifted the culture and reputation of Coodanup College, winning the respect and confidence of the young people attending the school, the staff working there, and the community.
Ms McKeown’s steadfast belief that all children deserve equal access to education and the opportunities that come from that has seen her take Coodanup College from a school in crisis to an inclusive community where young people know they will be supported to follow their passions and achieve.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICES MEDAL (AFSM)
John Varnavides AFSM
From the Pemberton Volunteer Fire Rescue Service John Varnavides is one of the longest serving operational firefighters in the South-West region and was awarded the AFSM for his 50 years of service to the brigade and community, including a long history of training and mentoring fellow volunteers.
Robert Littman AFSM
Robert Littman has attended some of the State’s largest bushfires across more than 30 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Roleystone VFRS and received the AFSM for working tirelessly to build resilience in his local community.
Craig Waters AFSM
Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Craig Waters was honoured with the AFSM for his display of leadership throughout his 27-year career, including his interagency collaboration with WA Police Force to enhance counter terrorism and fire investigation.
Lachie McCaw AFSM
Forest firefighter Dr Lachie McCaw from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife Service received the AFSM for his ability to bring strategy, fire science and incident management together.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Allen Gale ESM
Recently retired DFES District Officer Allen Gale whose 50 years of service began as a State Emergency Service volunteer was bestowed the ESM for his outstanding support and leadership for the SES and educating the community and stakeholders about hazard preparedness.
Michael (Rusty) Ellis ESM
Marine Rescue Exmouth volunteer Michael (Rusty) Ellis received the ESM for his service to the Exmouth community for over 10 years through several critical search and rescue missions at sea in extreme conditions as well as his review of local response times, which resulted in a new purpose-built vessel.
AUSTRALIAN FCORRECTIONS MEDAL (ACM)
Andrea Bowen ACM
Ms Bowen is Superintendent at Bandyup Women’s Prison. She served as a prison officer in New South Wales for 18 years, progressing through the ranks. After relocating to WA in 2017 Ms Bowen became Deputy Superintendent at Casuarina Prison where she was a champion for Indigenous engagement.
Andrea Rees- Carter ACM
Ms Rees-Carter is Deputy Superintendent Specialist Services at Hakea Prison. She joined Corrective Services in 2003 and has served at three prisons. Ms Rees-Carter has led a number of initiatives at Hakea which have made a positive difference to the lives of prisoners, while supporting the training and development of prison officers.
Susan Andrews ACM
Ms Andrews is Manager, Family and Community Services at Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women. She has served in the Department of Justice since 1988. In her current role, Ms Andrews has been instrumental in developing and establishing initiatives for the centre’s residents, their children and the local community.
Maria McGinty-Duggan ACM
Ms McGinty-Duggan is Custodial Training Officer at West Kimberley Regional Prison. A Pitjantjatjara woman, she served from 2004 as prison officer in regional facilities before becoming a trainer at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison and then West Kimberley Regional Prison in Derby.