Our People
5 September, 2026
Medal presentation at Government House
ARARAT’S Jane Richardson made her way to Government House in Melbourne last week to officially receive her Order of Australia medal.
Mrs Richardson received news of the medal in the General Division (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours back in June.
She was recognised for service to the communities of the East Grampians through decades of volunteering and leadership across aged care, health services and community organisations.
Her contributions include serving as secretary of the East Grampians Health Service Residents' Support Group for 13 years, founding both the Magica Memories Group and the Whistling Kettle Chat Group, volunteering at Lowe Street Aged Care Facility since 2007, and holding numerous roles with the Ararat Branch of the Victorian Embroidery Guild.
Her involvement with aged care began when Lowe Street opened.
"I got involved with aged care when Lowe Street opened, and my mother was in care in New South Wales, and I couldn’t help there, so I thought I could do something here."
Mrs Richardson attended last week’s ceremony with her sister, daughters and daughter-in-law to be presented with her medal from Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner.
“This has all come as a huge surprise to me. I do it because I enjoy it, not for any other reason.
“It was a perfect day. I’ve never been to Government House before. I didn’t even know where it was and everything was beautifully done. It’s a place to be proud of,” she said.
Mrs Richardson admits she was nervous ahead of the official ceremony.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience. You’d only need it once. I couldn’t cope with it again. It was very nerve racking,” she said.
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