Former Courier co-proprietor, managing director presented with Order of Australia Medal

Former co-proprietor and managing director of The Courier, John Dunnet OAM was officially presented with his Order of Australia Medal at an investiture ceremony.

Mr Dunnet, a third generation family member whose lives have been dedicated to community newspapers, was joined by family for the function at Government House, Sydney.

The former Narrabri resident now lives in Toronto and was named in the King’s Birthday Honours for ‘service to the print media industry.’

Mr Dunnet, who retired in 2007, served as an industry delegate to the Australian Press Council for 18 years from 1997.

The Council met regularly in Australian capital cities with the mission to maintain journalistic standards and resolve issues involving allegations brought to it questioning published information protocols.

Mr Dunnet served as a board member of the regional newspapers’ national industry body Country Press Australia from 1986-1997 and president 1995-1997 and was Country Press NSW president from 1986-1999, being made a Life Member in recognition of many years on the state board.

He was co-proprietor and managing director of The Courier, Narrabri, from 1972-2007.

During that time Mr Dunnet was chairman of the North West Magazine partnership, awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 and was a long serving member of the New England-North West Regional Development Board.

Following the King’s Birthday Honours announcement in June, Mr Dunnet said he had been greatly honoured to be included in the awards.

“It has been a thrill for myself to be awarded this honour and I take even greater pride in being recognised for the efforts of myself and many others in championing the importance of regional rural print publications in Australia,” he said.

Mr Dunnet was accompanied by his wife, Megan, as well as two of his three children, Cameron Dunnet and Jennifer Dunnet-Inglis. Mr Dunnet’s youngest daughter, Caitlin Harrison, currently lives in Oslo, Norway.

Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley conducted the investiture on Friday, September 15.

“NSW is fortunate indeed to have a Governor of Her Excellency’s calibre,” Mr Dunnet said.

“Through the demanding series of investiture ceremonies she managed the formalities with grace and warmth, allowing time to display an interest and a chat with every award recipient who was presented to her.

“Her husband, Mr Dennis Wilson, was also a very able and friendly host at the official functions.”

During the series of 11 King’s Birthday Honours investiture ceremonies at NSW Government House in September, Mr David Anthony, a well regarded former Narrabri resident and leading Australian cotton industry figure, received a medal as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).