Glen Innes local Jan Lemon has been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her decades of tireless service to the local community.
Mrs Lemon was awarded the OAM in the General Division “for service to the community of Glen Innes.” Her extensive volunteer work across a number of local organisations has made her a familiar and much-respected figure in the town.
A long-time member of the Glen Innes and District Australia Day Committee, Mrs Lemon has served as Chairperson, Spokesperson and Master of Ceremonies since 2016, and as Secretary since 2014. Her involvement with the committee dates back to 2000.
Her contributions extend far beyond Australia Day events. Mrs Lemon has been a dedicated committee member of the Lioness Club of Glen Innes (now known as Glen Innes Highlands Lioness-Lions Club) since 1999 and a voice on local airwaves as a radio presenter with 2CBD and STA FM Community Radio since 2006.
Between 1987 and 1999, she took on a wide range of roles with the Glen Innes Basketball Association—including President, Treasurer, Referee, Canteen Manager and Committee Member. In recognition of her service, she was awarded life membership of the Association in 1999.
Mrs Lemon also continues to give her time as a volunteer for the Glen Innes Show and Relay for Life, and is a member of the Combined Service Emergency Fund.
“I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List,” the Governor-General said when announcing the King’s Birthday Honours List. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.
“As your Governor-General, I see the values of care, kindness and respect in the many Australians who are honoured today, and in those who have been recognised throughout the fifty-year history of our Australian honours system.
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve. To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia – and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards,” the Governor-General said.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has congratulated the region’s King’s Birthday Honours recipients, including Mrs Lemon.
“It is fantastic to have people from our region honoured for dedication to their communities and their professions,” Mr Moylan said.
“People from all walks of life and fields of expertise have been recognised for their contribution to their work.
“These honours celebrate integrity, commitment and compassion, and I congratulate each and every one of these recipients.”
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor, Margot Davis, added “On behalf of the Glen Innes Severn Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs Jan Lemon on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia. Her unwavering dedication and tireless contributions have profoundly enriched our community. Jan’s leadership and passion for service inspire us all, and we are truly grateful for her commitment to making Glen Innes a better place for everyone.
Mrs Lemon’s award is a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to service, and her contribution continues to enrich the Glen Innes community every day. Jan will travel to Canberra later this year to attend an investiture ceremony accompanied by her two adult children.
