Mid West trio presented with respective medals following Australia Day honours

Australia Day honours for a Mid West trio were officially presented at a ceremony earlier this month, recognising their significant contributions to the community.

On Australia Day this year, Geraldton resident Peter Stratford OAM and Jurien Bay’s Robin Randall OAM were awarded their respective Medals of the Order of Australia, with the medals officially handed over at Government House by WA Governor Chris Dawson.

Mr Stratford, who has lived in Geraldton for the past 20 years, has held a number of roles within the community.

In particular, his contribution to the Drummond Cove Progress Association and Fishability contributed heavily to his nomination.

His volunteering record is extensive, having previously been a career firefighter in NSW.

Mr Stratford previously told the Geraldton Guardian the honour was a nod to all volunteers who gave their time for noble causes.

“I think there are a lot of people around Geraldton, volunteers, different services, different organisations,” he said.

“So I’m accepting this on behalf of all the volunteers and services — police, fire brigade, ambulance, doctors, everything.

“There are a lot of worthy recipients around Geraldton who dedicate enormous amounts of time for no pay or anything. They just do it because they really, really like to help people.”

Jurien Bay’s Robin Randall was honoured posthumously, following his significant contribution in the Shire of Dandaragan.

He was recognised most notably through his service to Marine Rescue Jurien Bay, where he volunteered for more than 30 years.

His daughter Sandra said it was the epitome of her father’s character.

“He saw there was a need for radio operators and when he threw himself into anything, he did so wholeheartedly,” she said.

“He took on pretty much every single role there was. He did his cert four so that he could do the official training.

“He loved it and lived it, he was down at the base almost every day during the summer.”

Meanwhile, another Australia Day honour went to Geraldton-based paramedic Nic Chadbourne ASM.

The 44-year-old was one of the first community paramedics, and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal on Australia Day.

Over 17 years, Mr Chadbourne has been invaluable when responding to emergencies and disasters over his paramedic career, including assisting in 2021 through cyclone Seroja.