On May 11th 2023, The Order of Australia Association NSW celebrated 80 Order of Australia New recipients and their family and friends by hosting a gala luncheon at NSW Parliament House attended by 150 guests.
In welcoming the New recipients and guests, The Order of Australia Association NSW Deputy Chairman and Events Manager, Dr John Gullotta AM, said: “On behalf of the Order of Australia Association NSW Branch, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new recipients with us today, together with your family and friends. This lunch event is an opportunity for our Association to celebrate your great achievements. Every year I am truly amazed by the extremely high calibre of recipients that are honoured and all of you here today are certainly no exception, Dr Gullotta said. You come from all walks of life, a myriad of professions and of course the quiet achievers working away in your local communities especially in the rural and remote parts of NSW. All of you have an unique and special story that you should be very proud of and that we acknowledge and honour here today.”
Following Grace by Committee Member Mr Romano Di Donato OAM, a wonderful meal was enjoyed on a perfect sunny Sydney Autumn day overlooking The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens from the Strangers Dining Room inside NSW Parliament House.
The Parliamentary host was The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Small Business, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism and Sport. He welcomed guests to NSW parliament House and highlighted the importance of giving and service in our community. He thanked the Association for their work in arranging these events to honour citizenship and achievement within our community.
Special guests included Ms Cherie Burton, past member for Kogarah, representing the Premier of NSW, The Hon Chris Minns MP and the guest speaker, Ms Claudia Karvan OAM, one of Australia’s most respected, awarded and acclaimed film and television actors. In 2023, Claudia was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the film and television industry.
The Order of Australia Association NSW Chairman Mr Jim Mein AM welcomed members and guests and highlighted the importance of The Order of Australia Awards in recognising the significant work and service of our fellow Australians. He stressed the importance of nominating worthy Australians for recognition, including women, younger people and Australians from our many diverse indigenous and multicultural backgrounds.
Mrs Dianne North OAM proposed the Toast to the new recipients which was followed by the Toast on behalf of all the new recipients given by Mrs Jane Freudenstein AM, a 2023 Order of Australia New Recipient. To finish off the formalities, the Loyal Toast to The King was proposed by the Hon Secretary Ms Martha Jabour OAM.
The highlight of the day was the “In Conversation” with Claudia Karvan OAM, the two time winner of both the Silver Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actress, and the AFI Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Claudia is acclaimed for co-producing the television series “Doctor Doctor” and for starring in ‘Secret Life of Us’. Some of her film credits include working alongside Hugh Jackman, Guy Pearce, Jim Caveizel and Judy Davis.
Deputy Chair, Dr John Gullotta AM asked Claudia a series of probing questions “in conversation” about the many facets of her life such as how she became an actor and producer, who she most looks up to or is inspired by and also what it meant to her to be recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
In response, Claudia explained that coincidentally at age 10 she found herself in front of a camera where unknowingly she began her successful acting career and whilst she wears many hats in the industry, there is continuous satisfaction in its variety for her.
As with many Order of Australia recipients, they feel that they are undeserving of the honour because they are only doing what they love doing, and Claudia reiterated that she too is no exception to feeling so honoured and humbled for just doing what she loves doing. Her amazement was profound and she felt so proud to be in the company of many other awardees. When it comes to looking up to someone, Claudia explained with passion, admiration and love that she is inspired by someone younger than her, that is her 21 year old daughter. Claudia also spoke about her future projects and the continuation of her passion in producing and acting, in particular the development of the 4th season of the Stan series ‘Bump’.
A great day was had by everyone who enjoyed exchanging stories and life experiences with other Order of Australia recipients from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.
Article by: Dr John Gullotta AM, Deputy Chairman and Events Manager
The Order of Australia Association NSW
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