Alister Henskens portrait
Alister Henskens portrait

Wahroonga Electorate King's Birthday Honours

Red roses against dark background

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (17:26): I have the pleasure to represent an absolutely incredible community, and this year seven residents of the Wahroonga electorate received King's Birthday honours for their service and dedication to the community. Mr David Anthony, AM, of Turramurra is a prominent figure in the Australian cotton industry and well known for his service throughout cotton communities. His long and successful career has left a significant impact on the agricultural sector, having held positions in corporations, in agricultural science research and biosecurity and on government advisory bodies. His leadership was instrumental in the successful navigation of significant growth, change and challenges within the cotton industry. Additionally, his service had a significant impact on the community in Narrabri. A former Narrabri resident himself, he and his wife now live in Turramurra and have brought their community-mindedness there.

Miss Rose-Marie Radley, AM, of Wahroonga was the longest serving director of nursing at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, known as The San, in Wahroonga. She has a close association with the hospital, with her grandparents being foundational to the establishment of The San and her mother having trained in nursing there. Miss Radley's professional life took her across the globe, working in hospitals in Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Coupled with her kindness, insight and understanding, her experience enabled her to be a transformational leader at The San, modernising multiple areas of the hospital, including the redevelopment of facilities, hospital administration and clinical services. Her contribution to nursing education has improved the quality of nursing for us all, taking training from an in-hospital to a tertiary program. Her impact will endure for generations to come.

For over four decades, Professor Simon Willcock, AM, of Westleigh has made significant contributions within the medical profession. Currently he is Clinical Program Head of Primary and Generalist Care, Wellbeing and Diagnostics at Macquarie Health. He has held numerous leadership roles in clinical and educational settings, including as a member of the board of the Sydney North Health Network and Estia Health. Within his educational and research roles, his areas of interest include the health of doctors, generational change in the medical workforce, men's health, and musculoskeletal medicine. Our community benefits from his remarkable contributions in individual patient care, medical education and research, organisational governance and medical workforce development.

Mrs Diana Moehead, OAM, of Normanhurst has served our community through Girl Guides and Scouts for over four decades. She is a member of the Pennant Hills Trefoil Guild, supporting and connecting others within the Girl Guide network, serving as both the president and vice-president. She volunteered with Normanhurst Girl Guides and Scouts, supporting the parent community and Guides unit for many years. She participated in the Hornsby Gang Show for over 20 years and worked at the Australian Scout Jamboree. Mrs Moehead's inspiring and valued contributions to the community extend to all areas of her life, including service to Normanhurst Uniting Church and her local community.

Mr Simon Pennington, OAM, of Pymble is dedicated to the sport of rowing and the development of athletes. Alongside his own achievements as an athlete, he has coached at numerous high schools in New South Wales and been involved in the leadership of teams competing in the New South Wales Youth Olympics and on the international stage. Mr Pennington was recently appointed head of co-curricular at St Joseph's College and has headed up programs at Pymble Ladies' College and Newington College. Young men and women in our community and across New South Wales have benefited greatly from his experience and coaching.

Mrs Jeannette Tsoulos, OAM, of West Pymble has been a dedicated volunteer in Jewish organisations for decades. From the National Council of Jewish Women to the Australian Jewish Historical Society and Australian Jewish Genealogical Society, Jeannette's volunteer work has stood out. She has been a member of the National Council of Jewish Women and Australian Jewish Historical Society since 1988, and a member of the Australian Jewish Genealogical Society since 1994, as well as its past president. Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and we are fortunate that Jeannette calls our area home.

Mr Alan Cole, OAM, of Wahroonga has been a voluntary coordinator and administrator of the Turramurra Trotters since 1974. The Trotters are a group of fitness enthusiasts who have gathered regularly since 1974 to run around Turramurra and surrounding suburbs. Alan is the legendary timekeeper who has kept the Trotters running for almost 40 years. He has also kept the group together, organising events for them and donating to charitable causes, including homelessness. I thank all recipients in this year's honours list and congratulate them on their service to improve the lives of many in my electorate as well as across New South Wales and internationally.