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Catholics recognised in Australia Day honours

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South Australian Catholics including a bishop, two business leaders, a World War II veteran and a property valuer are among the outstanding Australians honoured in this year’s Australia Day Awards.

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Bishop Emeritus Eugene Hurley, who led the Dioceses of Port Pirie and Darwin, said he was surprised and “a bit overwhelmed” and “humbled” when told he would be made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

“While it’s an enormous honour, it is really an honour to all the people I have worked with over the last 54 years; it really belongs to all those people,” the Adelaide-born bishop said.

“It’s been an enormous privilege to have walked with people from different backgrounds and so many cultures. I’ve learnt so much about myself.”

Rostrevor College old scholar and Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham was recognised for his distinguished service to sporting groups, the investment banking and asset management sector and philanthropy, by being named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Andrew has played an integral role in the development of AFL in New South Wales, including helping to establish the QBE Sydney Swans Academy boys and girls programs. He has been a benefactor and supporter of a number of Australian charities and education and arts services, including the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, Rostrevor College and the University of SA.

Sacred Heart College old collegian Jim Whiting was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the building and construction industry. Jim’s service beyond his work and industry includes his long-time support of the College as a benefactor and as president of the SHC Foundation, and of the Archdiocese as chair of the Aquinas College Board and member of the Diocesan Finance Council, the Property Committee and the Cathedral Restoration Appeal Committee.

Badge Constructions, of which Jim is managing director, supports a range of charities including the Hutt St Centre.

Riverland war hero Howard Hendrick, 95, who flew Lancaster bombers in WWII, was awarded an OAM for his service to the community of Loxton. Howard is an active member of the local parish and a valued volunteer of
St Albert’s Catholic School.

Emmaus parishioner John Kenny also received an OAM for his service to the community including nine years as national committee member of Caritas Australia and seven years as Caritas diocesan chairman, the St Vincent de Paul Society (chair of the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association since 2012), and parish council member of St Anthony’s, Edwardstown.

A property valuer, John is a life member of the Australian Junior Chamber of Commerce and a fellow of the Australian Property Institute.

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