Rugby Australia Congratulates Australia Day 2019 Honours recipients

Sat, Jan 26, 2019, 1:20 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

Rugby Australia has paid tribute to three worthy members of the Rugby community who have today been acknowledged for their contribution to the sport and their local community with Australia Day Honours.

Queensland’s Anthony McDermott of Brothers Rugby Club, Pamela Dean of Beecroft-Pennant Hills Rugby Club in Sydney, and Robert Porter of The Entrance Rugby Club on the NSW Central Coast each received the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Anthony McDermott, who was honoured specifically for services to Rugby Union, completed a 15-year research project into the history of Rugby Union in Queensland in 2017. He is a life member of the Brothers Rugby Club and currently serves as the Club’s historian and archivist having been involved as a team manager, coach and player over a 20-year association with the Club.

Pamela Deane collected her award for services to the community of north west Sydney, headlined by her connection with the Beecroft-Pennant Hills Rugby Club where she is lovingly known as the Club “Mother” in her volunteer roles as canteen operator and fundraiser.

Robert Porter was honoured for his extensive service to the community, including his role as President of The Entrance Rugby Club, where he is also a life member.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “There are countless people in our Rugby community, just like those who have received Australia Day Honours today, who dedicate a huge part of their lives to the sport and without them our game simply would not be what it is today.

On behalf of the entire Australian Rugby community I want to congratulate our three Honours recipients Anthony, Pamela and Robert, and offer my sincere thanks for the special contributions that each have made to Rugby.

Each of them has made a significant impact in their communities and have played a role in running, growing and promoting the game in their region.”

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