WINSTON Johnston has been recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List for his outstanding service to both local government and to the community of the Sunshine Coast.
The only Hinterland recipient, Cr Johnston has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in honour of his extensive contribution and conspicuous service to the Sunshine Coast community. The award was announced by the Governor General today with the medal to be presented at a special ceremony later in the year at the Governors house.
Cr Johnston said he was extremely chuffed and humbled to be recognised in such a significant way. He said his parents originally emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1948, and he recalled strongly that his dad was always very proud to be called an Australian. Likewise, Cr Johnston said along with his two sisters he was also extremely proud to be Australian, and it was a great and substantial honour to receive the medal.
“This is an incredible honour in recognition of my council and community involvement of 50 years. I’d like to particularly thank my family; my wife Helen and our children who have allowed me to become so involved in various sectors of community life from a young age,” he said.
Cr Johnston also acknowledged that the award paid tribute to the support and encouragement of many people in the community over the years; from his current role as Sunshine Coast Councillor for Division 5 and previous position as Caloundra City Councillor, Division 2, (1982-1991) to presidency and life membership positions of various community groups and associations. These include the Maleny Show Society, Maleny Chamber of Commerce, Maleny Blackall Range Lions Club, Maleny State High School and Primary School Parents and Citizen association and Liberal National Party.
Over the decades, Cr. Johnston has also been involved in a multitude of committee positions spanning various community, business and professional sectors including the Maleny District Sport and Recreational Committee, Maleny Sub-Branch Board, Returned and Services League of Australia, Sunshine Coast Tourism and Development Committee, University of Sunshine Coast Planning Committee and Sunshine Coast Hospital Board to name a few.
“There have been so many people in the community who have supported me, and you just can’t achieve significant results without the help and assurance of friends, colleagues and the community in general. This is not just an award for me but more a recognition of the great support I’ve received from many people over the years,” he said.
Cr Johnston also acknowledged that while he was extremely honoured to receive the award, there were many others in the community that were equally deserving such as Gail Denver who sadly passed away last year.
Cr Johnston will be contesting his Division 5 position in the upcoming Council elections on March 16.
sonia@gcnews.com.au