King’s Honours help recognise NSW Local Government
Published on 10 June 2025
People involved in the NSW Local Government sector invest so much of themselves into it that the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) welcomes any and every honour bestowed upon them, according to CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM.
“We were delighted to see that the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government Mr. Brett Whitworth was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal,” Mayor Firman said. “He is genuinely respected by the sector and makes an effort to engage with us in rural, regional and remote LGAs.”
Mr Chris Gryllis was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division ‘For service to the community of Orange’. He spent 30 years as a councillor on Orange City Council, four of which were as Deputy Mayor. “Like so many who serve rural, regional and remote communities through Local Government, Mr Gryllis’ community contributions went far beyond Council meetings and workshops,: said Mayor Firman. “To list some of what appeared in his citation, Mr Gryllis was Chair of the Tidy Towns committee for 15 years, and Member for 30 years; Chair of the Sister Cities Committee for 12 years, and Member for 34; Chair of the Airport Committee for 20 years; Former Chair and Member of the Health Liaison Committee, while also contributing through the foundation of the Orange Outstanding Business Awards, leadership roles in the local Business Chamber, Rotary, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and much more.”
Mr Malcolm Barlow received an OAM “For service to local government, the environment, and to education.” He served as a Councillor for eight years on Upper Lachlan Shire Councillor, 2008-2016 and was Chair of the Council’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, up until 2021. He also contributed through Landcare organisations in the Upper Lachlan Shire and earned decades of teaching accolades. “Again, Mr Barlow’s citation highlights the kind of community contributors rural, regional and remote communities are fortunate to have in their local Councils,” Mayor Firman said. “We are in it for our cherished communities, not for awards or for our egos. We love what we do and recognition for our exceptional contributors in local government is always great to see”
Mr Max Eastcott was also awarded an Australian Public Service Medal. Gwydir Shire Council’s long-serving General Manager is retiring on 4th July 2025, after over 24 years with the Council and the former Bingara Shire Council. Mr Eastcott has been a stalwart of the Local Government sector in North West NSW. Though he will be missed, we wish him a very happy retirement,” Mayor Firman said.
Contacts: Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman: 0429 204 060