Penrith CBD Corporation’s CEO Gai Hawthorn OAM now has three important letters following her name.
Pictured here at one of her fundraising functions with Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh.
THE Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP, proudly congratulates the five Lindsay residents who received honours in The Order of Australia this week, as part of The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
“The Order of Australia honours seeks to recognise Australians who make significant contributions in our communities,” Mrs McIntosh said.
“Many Lindsay residents have a long and distinguished history of outstanding community service, and this year’s recipients have demonstrated selfless and enduring commitment to service.
“On behalf of the Lindsay electorate, it is an honour to see the recipients chosen have extensive achievements that have driven meaningful change on the ground level, creating a significant impact upon all the lives they touch.”
The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), has announced the following Lindsay locals as honours recipients:
Medal of the Order of Australia
● Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM, of Emu Plains: for service to the community through a range of organisations
● Mrs Leisa McGivern OAM, of Glenmore Park: for service to children as a foster carer.
Public Service Medal
● Mrs Denise Robens PSM, of Glenmore Park: for outstanding public service in classroom teaching at Regentville Public School
● Mr Stephen Thorpe PSM, of South Penrith: for outstanding public service in driving change and innovation in Corrective Services NSW
Australian Corrections Medal
● Mr Preetpal Singh ACM, of Glenmore Park: for significant achievements as a correctional officer with Corrective Services NSW
“The Order of Australia medallists, Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM and Mrs Leisa McGivern OAM, were recognised for their longstanding commitment and dedication to volunteerism in our local community,” Mrs McIntosh shared.
Mrs Gai Hawthorn OAM has been recognised for exceptional service in an extensive range of organisations.
Mrs Hawthorn has demonstrated her commitment to our local community through her work as: CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation; President of Penrith PCYC; an ambassador for Pink Up Penrith with the McGrath Foundation; and for her ongoing service at Penrith Community Kitchen.
Mrs Leisa McGivern OAM has been recognised for her committed service to children as a foster carer, fostering more than 50 children over the past 23 years.
Starting in 2000 with the Department of Communities and Justice, Mrs McGivern has now been assisting Anglicare Sydney since 2014 and currently cares for 2 foster children. Previously she has cared for newborn babies with an addiction, nurturing them into good health and positive futures.
Mrs Denise Robens PSM has been recognised for her services in classroom teaching at Regentville Public School for over 20 years. Mrs Robens is a highly respected teacher who serves students with dignity and respect and has made a significant impact through improving the life and learning outcomes of the students.
Mr Stephen Thorpe PSM has been recognised through his work as Group Director, Industries and Education with Corrective Services NSW. Mr Thorpe has pioneered prisoner education programs, allowing inmates to gain employability skills for their rehabilitation and employment prospects upon reintegration to the community.
Mr Preetpal Singh ACM has been recognised for his achievements made in his career as a correctional officer with Corrective Services NSW. Mr Singh’s achievements in high-level technical service demonstrates his drive in the implementation of major change, continuous improvement, and culture development at Corrective Services NSW.
Mrs McIntosh proudly commends all Honours Roll recipients for their outstanding achievements, and for their wide-ranging and enduring spirit of community service in Lindsay.
