Michaela Meade
Four women from the northern suburbs were among those to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2021 Queen’s birthday honours.
The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
Mickleham’s Helen Patsikatheodorou, Craigieburn’s Casey Nunn ASM, former Hume local Julie Dempsey, and Doreen’s Julie Paul were all announced as OAM recipients yesterday.
Ms Patsikatheodorou, a former Hume mayor, was recognised for service to the community.
She was a councillor between 2008 and 2016, and was elected mayor in 2011-12, and 2015-16.
She has been a leading member of several community groups, and was awarded Banksia Gardens Community Services’ Robert Kumar Community Award in 2018 for her outstanding contributions to Hume.
Ms Patsikatheodorou said she very emotional about being awarded an OAM.
“It was a bit of a shock that somebody thought I was worthy enough… I was extremely honoured.”
Ms Patsikatheodorou said it was a drive to make a difference that motivated her to do so much work in the community.
“I always thought you can’t do that unless you’re involved,” she said.
“You can’t do it from the sidelines.
“When you want to make a difference, it’s not for any award.”
Ms Patsikatheodorou said she was happy with all she had accomplished.
“I think about my roots, where I came from, and what I’ll leave behind,” she said.
“I’m proud to have left a legacy for my children and grandchildren.”
Another former Hume mayor, Casey Nunn ASM, was recognised for service to the community of Craigieburn.
The 37-year-old was a councillor between 2012 and 2016, acting as deputy mayor in 2012-13, and mayor in 2013-14.
Ms Nunn has been involved in the Craigieburn Community Emergency Response Team for Ambulance Victoria as a volunteer, training officer, deputy team leader and officer in charge.
She has also been a Craigieburn Country Fire Authority volunteer since 2006, and a board member for the Victoria State Emergency Service since 2020.
Ms Nunn said: “It’s obviously an honour, but there’s a lot of people in our community who do lots of great stuff, so there’s a lot of people who deserve an award.
“As excited as I am, I still feel I have a lot of unfinished business.
“Hume is a place I’m really proud of.
“I feel a heavy obligation to make it a better place for all of [my family].
“I’ve always felt that one person can make a difference.”
Julie Dempsey was a resident of Hume for 25 years, and was recognised for her service to community mental health.
The 60-year-old lives with schizophrenia, and has worked with Forensicare – the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health – for many years, including as a senior consumer consultant since 2015.
Ms Dempsey has been a member, advisor and chair of many mental health groups.
She said she wanted her honour to represent something greater than herself.
“I hope it’ll spread a light on issues I’ve lobbied for, for years… and reduce the stigma around mental health,” she said.
“I’m hoping this award will help amplify and authorise people’s experiences and voices.
“For the recognition personally, I’ve been through decades and decades of hardship, so it’s great to be recognised.
“If I get exposure, I’m out there… getting airplay on [the issue], that’s great.”
Doreen local Julie Paul was recognised for her service to community health.
Ms Paul was involved in the Banksia Palliative Care Service between 1994 and 2017 and is the co-founder and director of the Australian International Palliative Education and Consultancy Services.
Ms Paul has been involved in many community groups and programs focused on palliative care.
