Australian King's Birthday Honours List - Recognition of Individuals
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (334404)
Rockingham, Australia
June 10, 2024 8:55pm CST
Every year, in the King’s Birthday Honours list, Australia recognises a number of individuals who have given remarkable service to the community. It is one of the highest acknowledgments of community service that an Australian can receive. Recipients come from all walks of life and from all areas of achievement. There are various levels of award.
A Medal of the Order of Australia was awarded to Donna Rousham of Darwin for her work with children with disabilities. This was given in recognition of her work with children with disabilities. Donna started the Starfish Swim Group in 2007 to cater for children with special needs. Donna’s daughter has Downs Syndrome, and although there were pools and water everywhere, children with disabilities didn’t fit into mainstream programmes.
In 2021, Donna’s daughter broke a 200-metre freestyle world record by six seconds, without even realising it. I don’t know what record it was. Maybe it was a paralympics-type record. Whatever, it’s still a remarkable achievement.
Photo is mine taken at a swim meet that we covered once.
22 people like this
17 responses
@Deepizzaguy (99643)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11 Jun
Congratulations to Donna Rousman for being rewarded for her work with children who are disabled.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (99643)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
11 Jun
@JudyEv I am in agreement with you.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (176745)
• United States
11 Jun
I didn't know Australia ever had a king.
2 people like this
@Orson_Kart (6546)
• United Kingdom
11 Jun
I’ve not seen our list, but I’m pretty sure I have been overlooked. Again! ![](/Content/images/emotes/evilgrin.gif)
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@Orson_Kart (6546)
• United Kingdom
11 Jun
@JudyEv What about - All round good egg? ![](/Content/images/emotes/lol.gif)
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@FourWalls (65390)
• United States
12 Jun
That’s great that she helps children with disabilities feel “normal” with things as simple as swimming. The honor (sorry, honour
) is very well-deserved!!!
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1 person likes this
@JudyEv (334404)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jun
@FourWalls Mostly I try to put both now but I also don't mind having to use the conversion feature if I need to. Mostly I have a fairly good knowledge of what equals what. At least knowledge enough for what I need.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (334404)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jun
I think so too. People like Donna are incredibly important to those they're mentoring.
@JESSY3236 (19578)
• United States
11 Jun
That's so cool. I have a cousin with Downs Syndrome. cool pictures.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (334404)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jun
Really? Lots of 'ordinary' and 'extraordinary' people get recognised with these awards. There are several levels. Sports people, pollies and celebrities often get awards too for their 'contribution to whatever' but there always seems to be a genuine reason for the award.
1 person likes this
@DevMrSamEleazar (14058)
• Philippines
11 Jun
Thank you for sharing that. I just learned something new again about what other countries are..
I wonder what gadget did you use getting this photo?? because its so high definition and not blurry..
Your hands are so steady.
1 person likes this
@DevMrSamEleazar (14058)
• Philippines
12 Jun
@JudyEv oohh I see. but if you zoomed in as much as possible its kinda shakey because swimmers are fast.. and you captured it clearly.. YOU CAN BE A SNIPER![](/Content/images/emotes/lol.gif)
you got some steady hands in ultra magnification..
You're welcome
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1 person likes this
@jstory07 (137351)
• Roseburg, Oregon
11 Jun
Those people that get recognized for what they do deserve the award that they get.
@LindaOHio (170715)
• United States
11 Jun
That's a wonderful program and a wonderful accomplishment. Great photos. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@Beestring (14133)
• Hong Kong
11 Jun
Donna Rousham of Darwin deserves the Award.
I like the photos.
1 person likes this
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