Central Coast Council Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Chris Holstein is one of seven local citizens awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List recognises and rewards commitment to community and country.

“The passion and dedication of our community is one of the things that make the Central Coast truly a great place to live,” Mayor Smith said.

“A number of local community members have been acknowledged for the contribution and support they provide our region, including Council’s own Chris Holstein, recognised for his service to local government and the community.

“Having grown up on the Central Coast, Cr Holstein is a valued member and representative of our community, actively supporting local programs such as Central Coast Life Surf Life Saving, Central Coast Vietnam Veterans Association, Central Coast Scouts, Coast Shelter and Regional Youth Support Services in addition to his role in Council.

“Cr Holstein has been a Councillor on the Central Coast since 1991, Mayor of the Former Gosford City Council between 1998-2001 and 2008-2009 and Deputy Mayor of Central Coast Council since 2017. He was also the state MP for Gosford from 2011 to 2015.

“Cr Holstein is passionate about the progress of business, tourism and urban growth with appropriate development and has actively worked within Council to ensure community priorities are continually reflected in the work we do.

"Congratulations to all our local award recipients. Without your tireless service we wouldn’t be the community or the nation we are today."

Central Coast citizens honoured this year include:

• Mr Christopher David Holstein for service to local government, and to the community of Gosford
• Mrs Karin Therese McGann for service to the community through Lions Clubs Australia
• Mrs Denise Lawrence for service to music education
• Dr Michael Andrew Scobie for service to ophthalmology, and to the community
• Mr Donald John van Keimpema for service to surf lifesaving
• Mrs Patsy Loretto Edwards for service to veterans and their families
• Ms Brenda Lesley Booth for service to community health
• Plus former Central Coast resident Mr Alan Morris AM for service to wildlife conservation.

To view the full Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List visit
www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2019-honours-list