Dr Saba Nabi OAM, Governor-General David Hurley and Aunty Cheryl Penrith OAM. Photo: Supplied.
Wagga’s Dr Saba Nabi was suspicious when an email arrived telling her that she was to receive an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to community health, education and multicultural affairs.
“Initially, I thought it was spam,” she said with a laugh.
“So I really checked the entire email closely just to make sure that they were not asking for any bank details and I checked all the hyperlinks, which really did work, and then I realised no, it’s really a genuine email and I was really surprised and humbled.”
Dr Nabi was one of four Wagga locals named in the King’s Birthday Honours, along with Ray Willett, Catherine Malone and Aunty Cheryl Penrith.
Since moving to Australia from India 11 years ago, Dr Nabi has not only completed her PhD and delivered groundbreaking research into cancer screening among women from multicultural backgrounds but juggles two young children, is on numerous local, state and national boards and has thrown herself into volunteering.
From early roles on the Charles Sturt University student council and her local school P&C, she is now an AFL multicultural ambassador, is heavily involved in the NSW CWA and is a member of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.
“I’m not shy and I don’t play with my words,” she said.
“I think from my meetings with Multicultural NSW, they really respected the voice of regional people and I think that they really want to engage with the regional community leaders and among the diaspora.”
Aunty Cheryl Penrith OAM says it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and “live the life you want”. Photo: Chris Roe.
Aunty Cheryl is a Wiradjuri elder and a leading figure in Wagga’s arts scene, and she admits that she was also dubious when first told that she was being considered for the King’s Birthday honour.
“I first got an email telling me I was on the list, but my hotmail account wasn’t working so I wasn’t able to open it at the time,” Aunty Cheryl said.
“Then I got a reminder saying that I was up for consideration but I was still a bit sceptical.
“But it was just a lovely surprise and a lovely acknowledgement of the things that I do in the community.”
Aunty Cheryl began rebuilding her life 11 years ago after losing her husband and said she was proud to now be able to encourage the next generation to make the most of life.
“I often tell people, if you’re interested in something, go and chase it,” she said.
“With my involvement with the art gallery, I started out with an interest in art, so I just started going to some of their openings and things, and from meeting people and building relationships it’s now come to where I’m part of the gallery and I’m going to be running an exhibition soon.”
Catherine Malone, 84, received an OAM in recognition of her years of service to her church parish and school community.
Since her early days as a student boarding at Wagga’s Mount Erin, Ms Malone embraced her talent for singing and has shared her love of music through decades of involvement with Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish and Henschke Primary School.
Ray Willett, 77, was recognised for his work with the Volunteer Rescue Association over more than five decades.
In addition to his tireless hands-on service with the VRA, he took on leadership roles and was the state director of operations for eight years.
Region congratulates all this year’s recipients and thanks them for their amazing contributions to our communities.
You can read the full 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list here.
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