A collection of Penrith residents have been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), highlighting their commitment to their careers and the community.
Cheryl Goh, June Roots, Lance Miller and Jennifer Westacott AO have all been given the nod for the prestigious award this Kings Birthday.
Goh will receive the OAM for her service to the Indigenous community of Sydney and to education.
A proud Dharug woman, Goh is currently a Director at Muru Mittigar, is a member of the Dharug Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation and on the Panel of Dharug-led Design with Blacktown Council.
“I don’t even know if I can say how it feels! I’m overjoyed. It’s an amazing thing to receive,” Goh said.
“I’m a Dharug woman. I live on country, I’ve always worked on country, I was born on country, I’ve never left.
“I’m in my 70’s now and for me I’m working for my old people and for the young ones that are going to be coming into the future, we have to try and maintain credibility within our community, but we’ve also got to try to maintain grounding, and I’m talking in fact ground.”
Roots will receive the OAM for her service to the community of Penrith.
She is a life member of the Luddenham Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society and founded the Kitchen and the Ladies Auxiliary within the society in the 1960s.
Roots is also a former President of the Luddenham Public School Parents and Citizens as well as doing a lot of work with the Luddenham Uniting Church and Holy Family Knitting Ladies.
Penrith resident Lance Miller will be receiving an Emergency Services Medal for distinguished services as a member of an Australian emergency service.
Miller joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, now Marine Rescue NSW, in 1975 at 22-years-old, he then spent the next five decades volunteering his time to the service.
“It’s a humbling experience to receive this medal. I never set out expecting recognition – I’ve just always believed in showing up, doing the job and supporting the team,” Miller said.
“This award really reflects the hard work of everyone in Marine Rescue NSW. I might be the one receiving the medal, but I’ve always worked alongside a great crew of volunteers.
“It’s a team effort every single time we’re out on the water.”
Throughout his time in the service Miller has led numerous complex and challenging search and rescue operations, including traumatic incidents with Sydney Harbour, off Sydney Heads and far offshore.
“I supposed the one thing I’ve been consistent about is showing up – whether it was from Cabramatta or Penrith, distance was never an excuse. I joined to learn, stayed because of the friends I made, and kept coming back because there’s always someone who needs help,” Miller said.
“Volunteering is a great thing. Whether you’re young and learning or retired and passing on experience, there’s something special about giving your time to help others.
“I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to jump in.
“For me, the reward has always been helping someone in distress or training a new crew member and watching them grow into a confident skipper. That’s what keeps you going.”
Jennifer Westacott AO will receive a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her eminent service to business, to tertiary education administration, to the mental health sector and to the community.
Currently the Chair of the Western City and Aerotropolis Authority Westacott is also the Chancellor at Western Sydney University.
Recipients will attend a ceremony at NSW Government House in the coming months to receive the insignia of their award.
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.