June 12, 2023
Former teachers from Coolabunia and Goomeri State Schools have been awarded Order of Australia Medals in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List.
The list of award recipients was announced by Governor-General David Hurley on Monday.
Former Coolabunia State School principal Murray Johnston, who is also very active in Rotary, received his OAM for service to education.
In 2018, he was named “Principal of the Year” for the Darling Downs South West Region education region.
He retired in 2019 after spending 33 years at Coolabunia State School
Poet, author and publisher – and former Goomeri State School teacher – Judith Bandidt, from Palmwoods was also awarded an OAM.
The former Kilkivan Shire Australia Day Award winner was recognised for her service to the community of Goomeri and the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN).
