ON Wednesday September 15, Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey presented Rosewood resident Nelly Haly with her Order of Australia Medal in front of husband Philip, daughters Sharon Stratton and Trish Luyke and Rosewood Community Centre General Manager Donna Hanlon.
Donna said the day “was amazing” and included a private tour of the downstairs of Government House.
“It was very well arranged starting off with a meet and greet with our guide for the event at the entrance of the building where we posed for a picture on the steps of Government House,” she said.
“We then entered through the doors and were in awe of the heritage and furnishings of the premises.
“One room captured portraits of all past Governors and when we were in this room it was hard not to feel the history and the journey of all those honoured by being appointed to the position of Governor General.
“The presentation of the OAM was very formal with the protocol and procedure being well explained prior to entering the room in which the OAM was to be presented.”
Following the presentation everybody was escorted to an area for high tea, Nelly then posed with her OAM for the official photos outside of Government House.
“We have many volunteers in the Rosewood Community and they all do an amazing job, without volunteers many of our groups just would not be able to function,” Donna said.
“Nelly has been a volunteer at the community centre for nearly 22 years and we are so very proud of her.
“We appreciate all that she does not only for the community centre and the Rosewood QCWA but for all the support she provides to the community.”
Nelly was completely honoured to have been nominated for this award she said that she could not believe it when she heard the news.
“The whole experience has been overwhelming, and it has given me a great sense of pride and I thank my friends, family and my husband Philip for all of their support,” she said.
