A Medal of the Order of Australia now recognises the extraordinary community devotion of Surf Coast Shire councillor and four-time mayor Rose Hodge.
Cr Hodge was named among recipients in King’s Birthday honours, acknowledging her distinguished service to Council and community.
She has served as a councillor since 2004 and as mayor in 2005-07, 2013-14, 2015-16 and 2018-20.
Mayor Liz Pattison led tributes following the announcement.
“I am sure that I speak for so many people in our community in welcoming this OAM as a richly deserved celebration of Cr Hodge’s outstanding and unwavering service for our Surf Coast community, and to her can-do spirit and qualities as a leader and person,” Cr Pattison said.
“Almost two decades as a councillor stands as an extraordinary measure of her commitment to service above self.
“Beside that she has shared so much skill, insight and energy with various statutory and community panels, boards and committees – and all alongside busy family life.
“We congratulate Cr Rose Hodge OAM, along with our other very deserving Surf Coast Shire honours recipients.”
Fairhaven’s Dr Raymond J. Adams and Lorne’s Lorraine Griffiths were also acknowledged among King’s Birthday honours.
Dr Adams was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, for significant service to education and psychometric testing, and Ms Griffith was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, for service to children as a foster carer for more than 140 children.
Cr Hodge’s OAM citation highlighted involvements including:
Surf Coast Shire Council
· All Abilities Advisory Committee member
· Torquay Community Impact Advisory Committee member
· Representative, Municipal Association of Victoria.
Local Government
· Victorian Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel member
· Australian Local Government Women’s Association member
· G21 – Geelong Region Alliance board member, 5 years
Committee and Advisory Roles
· Torquay Community Enterprise, board member 2013-2023
· Gateways Disability Services Geelong, board member 2008-2020
· Barwon Valley Special School former committee member
· Jan Juc Kindergarten, former president
· Peri-Urban Group former member
· Torquay Community House, former committee member
· Torquay Netball Club life member, former committee member, president, 1994
Other
· Torquay Cricket Club, former committee member
· Torquay Hockey Club supporter
· Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International; Alan J. Holding, Lions Club Community Service Award.
