19 Jun Honouring Bendigo’s Champions of Performing Arts and Community Service
Posted at 14:04h
in Uncategorized
Dr John Gault and Margaret O’Rourke were both awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday honours list on 10th June 2024.
Dr. John Gault has dedicated over 50 years to Bendigo Health, serving as a Physician, Chief Cardiologist, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, and Life Governor. In recognition of his contributions, Monash Rural Health Bendigo named the Dr. John Gault Award in his honour in 2004. This award is given to the best-performing academic student in their first clinical year.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Gault has been a generous supporter of local arts organisations, including the Ulumbarra Foundation, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, and the Bendigo Art Gallery. As a founding member of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, he continues to play the violin and viola.
Dr. Gault draws parallels between performing arts and medicine, noting the discipline required in both fields. “You have to keep rehearsing and practising to keep your fingers moving,” he told the Bendigo Advertiser.
Margaret O’Rourke, a former Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, currently serves as a councillor for the Eppalock Ward. Her service to the Bendigo community includes roles as Chair of Regional Cities Victoria, Chair of Loddon Campaspe Councils, Director and Chair of Bendigo TAFE, and Director of Bendigo Health.
Ms. O’Rourke is currently the Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute and a Non-Executive Director of Goulburn Murray Water. Her career also spans senior management at Telstra, running a consulting business and executive roles with Business Excellence Bendigo, TasPorts Corporation, and Devonport Port Authority.
“You come across things where you feel you can give … and you hope at the end of that time that you’ll leave what you’ve started in a better position than when you came,” she said, reflecting on her award.
The Governor-General David Hurley (pictured, above) said all those recognised in the Honours List are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community.
“Through today’s recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition,” he said.
Ulumbarra Foundation Chair Carolyn Stanford said the honours highlight the significant contributions of Dr. Gault and Ms. O’Rourke to the Bendigo community, and the performing arts.
“Both Marg and John are members of the Founding 50, which helped establish the Ulumbarra Foundation in its mission to position Greater Bendigo as Australia’s most vibrant regional performing arts community.
“Marg was also a member of our inaugural board, selected by Gordon McKern. And John continues to perform and support Bendigo’s performing arts organisations.”