King’s birthday honours

l FAR NORTH

FIVE Far Northern people have been honoured in the first of King Charles’ birthday honours list.

The recipients will receive the awards about September, either from the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra, or by the Queensland Governor.

Yungaburra auxiliary firefighter Ashley Cupitt was recognised for 47 years of service to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services with an Australian Fire Service Medal.

For her work with endangered bats, Jennefer McLean was awarded an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia). She started rescuing bats in 1990, and her work then grew into the Tolga Bat Hospital.

Vietnam veteran, RSL stalwart, surf lifesaver and Tablelands Regional councillor David Clifton of Yungaburra has received an OAM.

Greek community leader Theo Bacalakis also was awarded an OAM. He is a long-time member of the St John’s Baptist Greek Orthodox Parish, founder of St John’s Community Care and an organiser of the annual Greek Festival.

For her significant service to local government and secondary education, Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Ms Toppin retired in 2016 as principal of Cairns State High School after 42 years in secondary education.