Liverpool celebrates the unique achievements of local Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller has congratulated the three local residents recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Mayor Waller said their life-long commitments to fireworks, speed skating and netball was inspiring.

“This is a great insight into the quality of people in our local government area – people whose passions are above the norm and they are involved in such interesting endeavours,” Mayor Waller said.

“Our Queen’s Birthday Honours heroes have contributed greatly to the diverse fabric of our local community,” Mayor Waller said.

“I would like to congratulate each recipient for these richly deserved accolades and I thank them for their service.”

Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients

Mr James Hewish – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Chipping Norton resident Mr Hewish has officiated the highest levels of Australian and international short track speed skating for several decades and served as president and secretary of Australian Ice Racing. As an official at Salt Lake City in 2002, Mr Hewish witnessed one of the most iconic moments of Australian sport when Stephen Bradbury won Australia’s first winter Olympics gold medal. He was also team manager in 1994 at the Lillehammer games when Bradbury’s relay team earned our nation’s first ever Winter Olympics medal.

Mr Vincenzo Foti – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Part of an eight generation, 200-year fireworks dynasty, Elizabeth Hills resident Mr Foti was recognised for his service to the pyrotechnic industry and for his work with the Victor Chang Heart Research as president. He is also president of Club Marconi and has won several tourism and business accolades including awards for high profile shows such as Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Ms Pamela McPherson – OAM

Liverpool’s Ms McPherson has been involved with the sport of netball for many decades, wearing several hats including as coach, club founder and umpire throughout Sydney. In 2000, she was also awarded the Australian Sports Medal for her contribution to the nation’s sporting excellence.