BACKYARD cricket, sausages on the barbie and beers followed by fireworks may be what Australia Day is all about for some, but for a new crop of Australians this January 26 was also about celebrating their status as companions, offices and members of the o
BACKYARD cricket, sausages on the barbie and beers followed by fireworks may be what Australia Day is all about for some, but for a new crop of Australians this January 26 was also about celebrating their status as companions, offices and members of the order of Australia.
And there are also those being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, or the OAM, one of whom is Western Australian business woman and fashion designer Liz Davenport.
Mrs Davenport was recognised for her contribution to fashion and the community in the form of her passionate advocacy work, two elements she believes are complementary.
“What we have done as a company is make the opportunity and offered ourself as the catalyst for fundraising,” Mrs Davenport said.
“Because the fashion industry receives so much publicity, along with a model or a designer or a company with that sort of profile is the message. It is creating that bridge that allows people to talk about issues.
“The glamour helps people to get that message across, which is very much what happened with the tree campaign.”
Mrs Davenport was referring to her political support for the Liberals for Forests in the late 1990s and early years after 2000; but she notes there have been many moments that have made her proud.
“Being able to provide that link is what is precious. The industry itself is precious,” she said.
“I love the fashion game, but if people asked what is it that I love about fashion ... it is about changing people’s lives.”
While Ms Davenport is primarily involved in the fashion industry, she is also a public speaker and said the OAM would continue to boost her confidence to continue on that path.
She said the recognition was not just for her, but the people who have been around her for her 35-year career.
“The people who work with you are the people who make it happen, because you can’t do everything on your own,” she said.
Sharing that sentiment was a new Member of the Order of Australia and president of the Liberal Party of WA, Barry Court (see profile, page 25).
Mr Court said he was “pretty humbled” by the award.
“[Humbled] because you know you haven’t done it yourself. It is all those people over the years who have helped me do it, and you would like to give them all a little bit of it,” he said.
“If it gives me any influence to help represent them (farmers) better, then all well and good.”
Mr Court was recognised for his contribution to the primary industry sector, particularly through the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia, and to environmental management initiatives.
Other Western Australians to be recognised this Australia Day were landscape painter Robert Juniper, and dean of the school of indigenous studies at the University of Western Australia Jillian Milroy.
Mr Juniper was recognised for his service to the visual arts, particularly as an Australian landscape painter and contemporary artist, while Professor Milroy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the promotion and development of indigenous education.
