FORMER Euroa resident Jen Hargrave and Avenel’s Raymond Cronin are among Australians to have received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) this Australia Day.
Ms Hargrave, the daughter of popular Euroa artist Bruce Hargrave, grew up in Euroa and was the dux of Euroa Secondary College before moving to Melbourne.
A policy worker and researcher, she received a medal in the general division for her “service to people with disability, and to the community”.
Highlights from her extensive list of roles and achievements include:
• Senior Policy Officer at Women with Disabilities Victoria, 2010-2022.
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• Advocate for supports for women and children experiencing violence, since 2010.
• Member, Victorian Disability Advisory Council, since 2023.
• Lived Experience Witness Support, Royal Commissions and Parliamentary Inquiries, 2014-2022.
• Expert witness, Parliamentary Inquiries into Social Inclusion, Disability Abuse and Economic Equity, 2014, 2015, and 2022.
• Co-Chair, National resource to guide the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities, 2020-2022.
• Expert Witness, Disability Royal Commission, 2021.
• Expert Witness, Family Violence Royal Commission, 2016.
• Advisor, Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission, 2012-2014.
• Contributor, Making Rights Reality Program for people with disabilities, South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence, 2010-2020.
• Volunteer, Women's Information and Referral Exchange, 2006-2009.
“Am I a bit proud? Yeah, I sure am,” her father, Bruce Hargrave, said.
Ms Hargrave politely declined a request for an interview, explaining she prefers to keep a low profile.
Mr Cronin received a medal in the general division for “service to aviation”.
He has been the managing director of Kestrel Aviation since 1985.
The helicopter charter has been a provider of, and leading innovator in, aerial firefighting services.
Mr Cronin has been president of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association since 2018.
He has received multiple awards for his work, including the International Aerial Firefighting Award at the 2019 International Fire Fighting Conference.
Australia’s Governor-General, David Hurley, has congratulated all recipients recognised in this year’s honours list.
“Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level,” he said.
“Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities
“They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse.
“We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and… celebrate them.”
The Gazette was unable to speak to Mr Cronin by deadline.
