A legendary swimming coach and a senior firefighter from the Sunshine Coast are among Australians to receive King’s Birthday honours.
Long-time Noosa Aquatic Centre mentor John Rodgers was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to swimming as a high-performance coach.
Experienced fireman Greg Toman received an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in recognition of decades of exceptional service with Queensland Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service Queensland.
Tia-Clair Toomey, who spent her childhood on the Sunshine Coast, was also appointed a AM for significant service to CrossFit and weightlifting.
Mr Rodgers’ career has spanned more than 50 years.
He has guided generations of Olympic talent, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Kareena Lee in the 10km open water swim.
He was hailed by Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman.
“John Rodgers’ coaching legacy is extraordinary,” he said.
“He has dedicated his life to nurturing excellence in swimming, with unwavering commitment to his athletes and the sport.”
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Ms Toomey has also made an incredible imprint on Australian sport.
She competed at the 2016 Olympic Games and won gold at the 2018 edition, and has won seven International CrossFit Games.
“Tia-Clair Toomey’s extraordinary achievements have transcended the weightlifting platform,” Mr Chesterman said.
“She’s become a symbol of elite performance and continues to inspire everyday Australians”.
Mr Toman started his career at Kemp Place Fire and Rescue Station in 1998 and served at various stations until he transferred to the Caloundra Fire and Rescue Station in 2013.
He has been stationed at Maroochydore Fire and Rescue Station since 2022.
He was praised in a media release by the Queensland Fire Department.
“Mr Toman has been instrumental in leading, creating and facilitating the implementation of mountain rescue as a new technical rescue discipline in QFD.”
“Mr Toman completed a Churchill Fellowship, in 2019, to assist emergency service organisations to enhance the overall safety of rescuers and those requiring rescue in mountainous and austere environments.
“As a result of Mr Toman’s drive and commitment to mountain rescue, he prepared and presented a successful submission for QFD’s membership of the International Commission of Alpine Rescue.
“Due to his submission, QFD obtained international accreditation as a Tier 2 rescue organisation, joining the ranks of elite mountain rescue organisations from Europe and America.
“Mr Toman continues to perform beyond the expectation of his rank, developing and presenting proposals to senior levels of management and negotiating procedures and agreements with key stakeholders and external partners.
“His work has steered the QFD mountain rescue capability to an international standard, meeting the needs of the community and ensuring crew safety.”
Related story: How technology is changing mountain rescues
More than 830 Australians were recognised with King’s Birthday honours.
Fourteen of them, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison were appointed as Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia.
If you know someone from the Sunshine Coast who was recognised with a King’s Birthday honour, let us know at news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
