Kurt Fearnley Named 2019 NSW Australian Of The Year

BY IAN CROUCH

One of Australia's best-loved athletes has been named the 2019 NSW Australian of the Year.

Newcastle's three-time Paralympic gold medalist, Kurt Fearnley has taken out the coveted award in recognition of his advocacy work for people with disabilities.

The 37-year-old was named the winner at a ceremony at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday night.

He retired from international wheelchair racing this year after a remarkable 20-year career, winning 13 Paralympic medals, including three gold, as well as gold and silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Kurt Fearnley has crewed on the winning yacht in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race in 2011, crawled the entire 96-kilometre length of the Kokoda track to raise awareness of men's health, and is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

He'll head in Canberra on January 25 to join other state and territory winners for the national Australian of the Year Awards.

Newcastle's Kurt Fearnley Named 2019 NSW Australian of the Year

Newcastle Paralympian Kurt Fearnley Named In Queen's Birthday Honours

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle wheelchair athlete, Kurt Fearnley has been awarded the second highest honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The three-time Paralympic gold medalist has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to people with a disability, as a supporter of, and fundraiser for indigenous athletics and charitable organisations, and as a Paralympic athlete.

The 37-year-old capped off a stellar competitive career at this year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, winning gold in the T4 Marathon and silver in the T4 1500 metres.

He was previously awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2005 for service to sport as a Gold Medalist at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.

Kurt Fearnley is one of 22 Hunter residents to be recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Other notable recipients include:-

Newcastle University Senior Adviser to the Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Bernard (Bernie) Curran, who's been made a Member of the Order Of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through higher learning opportunities for young people in rural areas.

Mrs Juliana Waugh, who's been made a Member of the Order Of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through advocacy roles to improve the safety and education for people who interact and work with horses. Her advocacy role was prompted by the death of her 18-year-old daughter, Sarah in 2009, after she was thrown from a horse which bolted while undertaking a Jillaroo course at Dubbo TAFE.

Also, former Newcastle Lady Mayoress, Cathy Tate has been awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Newcastle. Mrs Tate has dedicated many years to community service in a variety of roles, having served as Chair of the Community Advisory Council of the Calvary Mater Hospital since 2013. She was also a founding member of the Jenny's Place women's refuge and has served as patron of 30 community organisations, including the Steel Magnolia Award for Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter.

Newcastle Paralympian Kurt Fearnley