Four dedicated locals will receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognitions of their dedication to their communities.
Penrith residents Royce Simmons, Noemie Fox and David and Vivienne Bertenshaw are some of the 732 outstanding and inspirational Australians who showcase exactly what it means to be Australia.
Simmons has been recognised for his service to rugby league as a player and a coach.
“It’s a great honour; you’ve only got to look at some of the other people that have got it. To be compared to some of those other people who have got it over the years and to be alongside them is just unbelievable,” Simmons said.
During his time as a Panther Simmons played 237 first grade games including the maiden premiership in 1991, captained the side from 1983-1990, coached the side and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Simmons also founded the Royce Simmons Foundation in 2022 after receiving a diagnosis of dementia at just 61-years-old. The foundation aims to raise money for dementia research, something he is the proudest of.
Simmons shared his gratitude to his local community as they continue to support this work.
“It’s great being a part of the town. I just think the world of the Penrith people, they are just really down to earth people, they’re very generous if you are ever trying to do anything for any charity, they are the first one to get in and support you,” Simmons said.
“They don’t just talk about it, they actually do it. They are people that don’t carry on too much and they support you, give you things and they make donations to you, and they don’t make a fuss out of it they just do it on the quiet and it all happens.

“The people of Penrith are just fantastic people and they’ve always been great supporters of me.”
Olympian Noemie Fox has been recognised for her service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games.
Fox won her first gold medal in the Women’s Salom Kayak Cross last year.
“It’s a huge honour and to close of a huge 12 months for me with this it is really special to be on that list,” Fox said.
“I had no idea that I would be an Olympian last year when I left not yet qualified to go to Europe and then came back an Olympic champion, so it definitely means a lot and it’s kind of incredible to have your life’s work and my performance in Paris recognised and celebrated like that,” Fox said.

Fox said she was proud to have the support of her local community.
“It’s so special. I was definitely in a bubble all through Paris and so coming back to my local community in both Penrith and the Blue Mountains, because I am proudly split across both areas, it’s been so incredible to bump into people at a local coffee shop, or a yoga class…” Fox said.
“It’s so special to see how many people cheered me on, got behind me and were rooting for me and Jess as well…
“It’s been truly special to have those natural, authentic encounters mainly at the supermarket when I’ve just finished training and don’t look the best and people ask for a photo! Those are always pinch me moments.”
Londonderry couple David and Vivienne Bertenshaw have both received an OAM with David being recognised for his service to soccer as an administrator and coach and Vivienne being recognised for her service to netball as an administrator and coach.
“Outstanding is one word I could think of and unexpected and not necessary, but it is something that is a little bit of a reward for your input into the community over the years so very much appreciated,” David said.
David currently is the Youth Technical Director at the Hawkesbury City Football Club, has been the President since 1991 and is a life member.
David has also been the President of the Hawkesbury City Sports Council since 1997 and is currently also the Chair of the Standing Committee National Premier Leagues 3 Division.
David has been honoured with various award for his service to soccer over the years including the Distinguished Long Service Award for Football, Sport NSW in 2022 and has had the main soccer field in the Hawkesbury renamed the ‘David Bertenshaw Field’ in 2014.

Vivienne has played many roles in the Hawkesbury City Netball Association including Vice President, Coach, Representative Selector and Convenor and has been a life member since 2005.
Vivienne was also named Patron in 2022.
At Londonderry Netball Club Vivienne was president from 1978 to 1992,
Vivienne has received numerous awards for her work including the Anne Clarke BEM Outstanding Service Award, Netball NSW in 2012, and a service award from Hawkesbury City Netball Association in 2003.
Both David and Vivienne don’t know who nominated them for this honour but have a message for that person.
“Thank you, whoever you are, it’s appreciated!” Vivienne said.
A formal ceremony for the recipients will be held at a later date.

Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.