Australia Day Honours for locals

from page 3 that I do for veterans has been recognised. I’m pleased and proud.

“But of course, you don’t do these things alone. All of my writings over the years, I have had great support from my family and my wife. Because of the sort of books I write, you’re on the road a bit doing interviews and research and it was great to have that support while doing that,” he says.

When Maura Cato, of Foxground, was first contacted about her AOM, she thought it was a scam.

“There are so many more deserving people than me,” she says.

Maura has run her Christmas Project for over 20 years.

The aim is to give as many people as possible gifts to show that others care about them.

Last year they distributed 1800 gift bags to men and women in refuges, boarding houses and sleeping rough, as well as sending them to people in Lismore and Eugowra.

“Friends and I buy good useful things throughout the year, and others help by making gifts and cards and taking the time to wrap things nicely.