Albany’s Raymond George, Mt Barker’s Ken Clements and Woodanilling’s Russel Thomson in Kings Birthday Honours

Three esteemed Great Southern men have been honoured for their decades of community service with their names featured on the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list.

Albany marine biologist and golf club patron Raymond George, Shire of Plantagenet deputy president Ken Clements and Woodanilling local government veteran Russel Thomson all received Medals of the Order of Australia on Monday.

A mainstay of the Mt Barker community for more than 40 years, Cr Clements served as the Shire of Plantagenet president from 2009 to 2017, a councillor since 1990 and is currently deputy president.

He has worked with numerous committees across planning, emergency management and community development as well as having extensive involvement with the WA Local Government Association, where he was a State councillor and life member.

As well as local government roles, Cr Clements has been a pillar of the local sporting, historical and tourism industries.

Fellow councillor Russel Thomson was also lauded for his commitment to his community, having served on the Shire of Woodanilling council for 43 years, occupying the role of president for 26 of them.

Now deputy president, Cr Thomson is also a passionate advocate for land conservation and resource management, founding the Land Conservation Development Committee, the Blackwood Basin Group and Wagin Woodanilling Landcare Zone and winning several State awards for his efforts.

Cr Thomson is also a stalwart of the Katanning Rotary Club and has been a volunteer firefighter since 1973.

Marine biologist, local historian and former WA sportsman Raymond George was honoured for his contributions to science and to the Albany golfing community.

The carcinologist worked at the WA Museum as curator of invertebrates from 1953 to 1982, during which time he identified the western rock lobster, naming it ‘Panulirus cygnus George’.

Dr George is celebrated for his decades-long involvement with the Albany Golf Club, where he authored its history, chaired the heritage committee, and was named a life member in 2023.

Beyond his scientific and historical, Dr George represented the State in hockey and water polo in his youth.

Governor General Sam Mostyn praised all 830 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours, now in its 50th year.

“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve,” she said.

“These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.

“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.”