Ricky Stuart gets his gong, as seven remarkable Canberrans are honoured

The Raiders legend was quietly proud, but reiterated he never sought any special recognition.

The awards were part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List released earlier this year, but the ceremony was held on Wednesday. Governor-General David Hurley presided over the event in the thick-carpeted drawing room, describing all of the recipients as extraordinary Australians.

Raiders coach and former player Stuart was appointed as a member in the general division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to rugby league and to the community.

"[I'm] a boy from Narrabundah who would never ever have expected something like this and never looked for anything like this," he said.

"But the opportunity to be in such company and with his excellency is just a proud moment."

Stuart was honoured not only for his rugby league prowess, but also for starting the Ricky Stuart Foundation after being inspired by his daughter Emma, now 24. The foundation has built two respite houses in the ACT for children and young people with autism, and the next project is fundraising for an independent living facility for young adults with a disability on land at South Jerrabomberra gifted to the foundation by the Village Building Company.

Stuart was at pains to emphasise he was representing a team of people who had brought the foundation to life, and he was most pleased rugby league had given him a chance to help others. "It's given me a wonderful life," he said.

Also honoured on Wednesday afternoon were ANU librarian Roxanne Missingham, Canberra obstetrician Dr David O'Rourke and community historian Dawn Waterhouse, who were all awarded the medal of the Order of Australia. Ms Missingham was honoured for service to the library and information services, and Dr O'Rourke for service to medicine and to West Timor, where he has established a maternity hospital. Mrs Waterhouse, who grew up in Calthorpes' House on Mugga Way, was recognised for her service to community history.

"Today was a fantastic experience to be involved in," Dr O'Rourke said.

"I am very fortunate to have this opportunity happen to me and to be able to give back to others and receive back from my involvement in the Mother Ignacia Hospital."

ANU Emeritus Professor James Williams was appointed an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the physical sciences, tertiary education and professional science organisations.

Major Benjamin McCaskill was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal for his work with Project LAND 121.

Sergeant James Corin was awarded the Australian Police Medal for outstanding service to the Australian Federal Police, particularly through international deployments. Sergeant Corin is also team leader on the Governor-General's protection team. General Hurley broke protocol to invite his wife Linda to join in the official photograph with Sergeant Corin, joking that "he keeps us safe, so we better get a photo".

General Hurley said COVID had forced a smaller but more intimate ceremony as the recipients' "significant meritorious achievement to our country" was celebrated.

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