Penrith parents Michael and Jo-ann Morris have been honoured with Order of Australia Medals (OAM) this King’s Birthday for their extraordinary service to the community through charitable organisations.
Among other things they have been honoured for their work with the Samuel Morris Foundation, first founded in 2007 after their beloved two-year-old son Samuel suffered a non-fatal drowning at their home in April of 2006.
The Weekender followed Samuel’s story extensively over the years and it was felt deeply within the Penrith community.
As a result of the accident Samuel experienced a severe Hypoxic Brain Injury and was left with a range of severe disabilities before he passed away in February of 2014.
Michael was honoured to receive the OAM, saying it shows how many people Samuel’s story touched.
“It’s a deep sense of pride in acknowledging the work that’s being done but it’s a very reflective period of time about the loss for our family,” Michael said.
“It’s that reminder of how much Samuel’s life mattered and how much his short years have impacted so many people.”
Jo-ann was shocked when she received the news about her and her husband’s OAM, saying it was a bittersweet moment.
“It’s hard to explain how happy that you’ve got something like that but so sad because of the reason why you’ve got that,” Jo-ann said.
“But it’s keeping Samuel’s legacy alive as well. I still get phone calls and request for help, whether that’s for support emotionally or whether that is on what they can do for their child that have suffered a non-fatal drowning.”
Outside of the Samuel Morris Foundation’s water safety advocacy, Michael is the Assistant Commissioner of Metropolitan Operations for Fire and Rescue NSW and has been in the service since 1990.
“It has been very nice at work with all the conversation with everyone!” Michael said.
“There is a lot of people at work who had no idea around that other side and have just seen me with my professional hat on and not the other things.”
The couple have no idea who nominated them for the honour but send whoever it was a message of thanks.
“It’s very strange not knowing who nominated us, but it is also very nice,” Jo-ann told the Weekender.
“We’re just two parents that wanted this to not happen to other families because we know the hardships and we know what the child goes through and what the siblings of the child who has the non-fatal drowning go through.
“For us to receive this award I just did not even think, it’s just a shock!”
Recipients will attend a ceremony at NSW Government House in the coming months to receive the insignia of their honour.
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.