An impressive array of Sunshine Coast hinterland residents have been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list for their selfless service to our community and nation.

From business to politics, science, agriculture and health they have been praised for their commitment to helping others and enriching all our lives.

Three Sunshine Coast recipients received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) while seven Coast recipients received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service worthy of particular recognition.

• Florence Woods OAM, of Maleny, has been recognised for service to the community of Maleny.

Mrs Woods served as a volunteer with the Maleny Show Society for 39 years and was made a life member in 2020. She has also been a member of the Maleny Uniting Church Women’s Guild since 1965, she’s a patron of the Maleny Historical Society and a life member of the Maleny Senior Citizen Club.

• Christopher Johnson OAM, of Woombye, has been recognised for service to community health.

Mr Johnson served as Chairman of the Australian Men’s Health Forum Organising Committee for the 2007 and 2013 National Men’s Health Conferences. He also served as Vice-President of the Australian Men’s Health Forum from 2005-2007.

Mr Johnson is also a life member and former President of Mens Wellbeing Inc and oversaw the amalgamation of the Men’s Help Line and the Sunshine Coast Men’s Emotional Support Resource Initiative to form Mens Wellbeing Inc in 1998.

• Dr Theresa Craig AM, of Maleny was recognised for significant service to politics and the agriculture industry. Dr Craig was a member and vice-chair of the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee for seven years, as well as an author of several publications including Best Practices Dairy Beef 2007, Meat and Livestock Australia.

Dr Craig is also an adjunct professor with the University of Sunshine Coast Centre for International Developments, Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership and served as Regional Chair for the Liberal National Party of Queensland, Sunshine Coast Region from 2017-2020.

• Professor Emeritus Debra Henly AM, of Doonan, was recognised for significant service to education administration and science.

Prof Henly is a former member of the Queensland State Advisory Council Committee for Economic Development and a member of the National Science and Technology Council.

• Karen Neuendorf OAM, of Buderim, was recognised for service to business and to the community. Mrs Neuendorf was a founding member of the Sunshine Coast Business Council, as well as board member and President of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network.