Industry Members Awarded Order of Australia Medals

As we celebrate Australia Day, a number of people in the industry have been recognised on the Australia Day 2015 Honours List, being awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

They include: Mark Strachan, Jonathan Coleman, James Marish, Gareth McCray, Wayne Wilson and Charlie King.

They are just a few who across the nation who have made a significant difference to their communities.

Mark Strachan OAM

2MC FM’s Mark Strachan has been awarded and OAM for service to broadcast media, and to the community of Port Macquarie

Mark has been part of 2MC FM since 1989. He has been recognised for his service to media and the community of Port Macquarie.  Mark served as Emergency Broadcaster during the 2001, 2009 and 2013 Mid North Coast floods. His community work includes countless MC’ing and fundraising events on the coast.

Jonathan Coleman OAM

Jono Coleman has been awarded an OAM for service to the broadcast media industry, and to the community.

His media career spans both radio and television. Including ARN, 2WS and his days with Ian 'Dano' Rogerson on both Triple J and Triple M.

His community work is long list and includes Radio for the Print Handicapped, the School for the Deaf and Blind, Spark of Genius, Schizophrenia Research Institute, Presenter/ Master of Ceremonies, Variety Clubs Australia, 1982 – 2010. Carers Australia, Ambassador, Australia Day Council and many more.

James Marish  OAM

James has been recognised for his service to community broadcasting in Tasmania.

Since 1981, James has been a volunteer Technical Officer and Trainer with Hobart FM. He is also a volunteer Technical Officer for 7RPH Radio for the Print Handicapped since 2001. Along with a number of other community radio stations in Tasmania including TYGA FM and Huon FM,

James broadcasting career included 38 years with the ABC as a highly qualified technician and training officer.

Gareth McCray OAM

Gareth has been awarded an OAM for service to the community, to radio broadcasting, and to education.

Gareth involvement in media was both On and Off Air. He was Director of the Radio Department, Australian Film Television and Radio School for many years. A lecturer in media at the Australian Catholic University and the University of Sydney. He was Radio and Audio Director, Catholic Communications in the 90’s.

Gareth’s 35 year radio career includes stints as Programme Director at 2KY and 2SM plus many and various shifts at 2UE, 2GB & 2SM. He has a long history with 2CH, first working with the station in 1980 then rejoining in 2003 when he began a long stint as breakfast show presenter. Gareth now hosts weeknights, 6pm to midnight on 2CH.

He has been recognised for his community and fundraising work in The Hills district of Sydney. Including Christmas in the Hills, the Hills Relay for Life, the Cancer Council of New South Wales.

The Late Herbert Francis Wilson OAM  (Wayne Wilson)

Known as Wayne Wilson, he was veteran Brisbane race caller . Wayne receives an OAM for service to the thoroughbred racing industry.

He had a long career as race caller with both Radio TAB and 4BC from 1983- 2010.

Wayne was also a supporter of many racing industry events and causes.

Charlie King OAM

Charlie is awarded an OAM for service to the broadcast media, and to the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory.

Charlie has been the host of the Sportalk program on Darwin and Territory Radio Corporation since 1990. Charlie is a presenter of  Territory Sport on ABC TV and he was the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games.

He was worked tirelessly with various causes in the Northern Territory. Including being the Initiator and Ambassador, NO More Campaign, since 2006. Chair of the Advisory Council, Department of Children and Families. Co-ordinator Aboriginal Men's Advisory Group. Co-ordinator, Aboriginal Men's Forum, Catholic Care Northern Territory. Patron of Life Education Northern Territory to name a few.

You can view the Australia Day 2015 Honours List here