King’s Birthday Honours for Stegley Sisters
Published on 16 June 2023
Mansfield Shire Council congratulates Sarah and Kristin Stegley, who were both awarded the honour of Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) under The King's Birthday 2023 Honours List.
Sarah was awarded for significant service to the community through a range of organisations, and her sister Kristin was also awarded for significant service to heritage advocacy and to the community.
Mayor Cr James Tehan acknowledged the significant honour awarded to the sisters for their achievements and in particular Sarah’s service to the Mansfield Shire community.
“To be awarded an AM is a huge achievement, made even more unique by two sisters receiving the same honour in the same year,” he said.
“Their recognition follows that of another shire resident and former member of the Victorian Legislative Council, Graeme Stoney, who was also awarded an AM in January this year.
“While they don’t do what they do for a gold star, it is well deserved, and as mayor of this shire, it makes me extremely proud to see people’s service to the community being acknowledged.”
Sarah has run the Stegley Foundation for 25 years, which concentrates on the areas of disability and Aboriginal life. The foundation was revolutionary in the sense that it focused on structural change within the existing system.
“Sarah is also involved with a number of local community groups including the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct community committee and Mansfield Matters Group,” added Mayor Tehan.
“She’s a member of Mullum Wetlands, Project Mansfield, and is a founding member of Howqua Valley Landcare Group, one the oldest landcare groups in Victoria.
“Her service on both the Mansfield Hospital Board and Alpine Advisory Committee are also great examples of her commitment to this community,” concluded Mayor Tehan.
Sarah’s sister, Kristin, who is also a Mansfield Shire ratepayer, has extensive leadership experience in the Victorian cultural, philanthropic and local government sectors, she is a former Chair of the National Trust in Victoria and has volunteered with the National Trust for many years to promote the importance and value of heritage to our cultural wellbeing.
“This award is for all of us,” said Sarah.
“It’s for the community of Mansfield and what it’s achieved in keeping our point of difference and not letting us become just like everywhere else.”
To view the full King's Birthday 2023 Honours List, visit the Governor-General website at www.gg.gov.au/kings-birthday-2023-honours-list
Sarah Stegley (AM) & Kristin Stegley (OAM)