Cessnock City Hall of Fame 2011 inductee Micheal Knipe was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to optometry and to the community of Timor-Leste.

The AM recognises service in a particular locality or field of activity, or to a particular group.

Cessnock-born Mr. Knipe is a senior optometrist at Royal Hobart Hospital in Tasmania and has held many executive roles with professional optometry organisations, including chairman and president of the Optometrists Association of Australia in 2010-2011.

He has been prominent in the East Timor Eye Program, delivering eye care in collaboration with East Timor Ministry of Health since 2003.

Kathleen (Kate) Milford, previously of Kurri and now living at North Arm Cove, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community of the Hunter.

Ms. Milford served three terms as president of Kurri Lions Club and was district governor in 2002-03; was a foundation member of Kurri Tidy Towns and has held a range of executive roles with Hunter Prelude Early Intervention Centre.

She is now a member of Bulahdelah Lions Club and was named Port Stephens Woman of the Year in 2013.