The performance and service of 830 remarkable Australians are recognized in the Birthday Honors list of 2025 King.
The list includes researchers of climate change, business women, activists, former police officers, indigenous elderly people and musicians.
Governor -General Sam Mostyn announced the Honoures on Sunday evening and acknowledged their “passion, generosity, energy and determination” in their respective areas.
Young fundraising honored
One of this year is being awarded 19-year-old Scott Michael Guerini, who has received a medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through charity organizations.
The West -Australian teenager is the youngest recipient of an OAM this year, who honors his fundraising efforts for sick children and babies.
He has raised money for charity institutions for children most of his life.
“It was in Kindy, we learned about charity and helping others in fundraising, and I decided that I really wanted to do something to help others at a young age of four,” he told SBS News.
“And the most difficult thing I could think of at that time was to walk from my family farm to the nearest city of Southern Cross.
“And after some convincing, my parents finally decided to let me try.”
Guerini then ran the 25 kilometers to raise money for Telethon, a charity that supports medical research into childhood diseases and equipment and offers critical services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Since then he has been running for donations and has found the annual Scott’s great walk for Telethon.
His advice for others? Don’t worry about what you can’t offer; Just give what you can do, no matter how small.
“I would say that I absolutely do not sweat the big things. It’s not about doing as much or a big thing as possible. It’s about doing those little things every day to really have an influence on the lives of others.”
The goal of Guerini is to raise a million dollars before he turns 90 years old.
“I keep walking as long as my body allows me – as long as possible,” he said.
Veteran from the Second World War recognized
Henry Samuel Young is a recipient with decades under his belt.
The 101-year-old was honored with a medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and tennis.
The centenary served in various military posts during the Second World War and is an old member of the Memorial Drive Tennis Club in South Australia.
“I am especially proud of being a navy pilot. I was at school when the war started,” he said SBS News.
“The dream of every schoolboy is to be a fighter pilot, and I have achieved it. So I was lucky. I was very lucky about that.”
Young is also a formidable tennis player and still competes in tournaments throughout the country and surprises his younger competitors.
“I think I’m a competitive person, and every game you play is winning or losing,” he said.
“It is very nice to be able to go to the net and say that you had to work for it.”
Young will travel to Croatia later this year for a tennis tournament.
“I’m looking forward to leaving abroad. It’s a good excuse for a vacation,” he said.
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