Long-serving TasFarmers president awarded Order of Australia Medal

Photo: Former Chairman of TasFarmers David Gatenby was one of the Tasmanians recognised with an Order of Australia.

LONG-serving former TasFarmers president and prominent Campbell Town grazier David Gatenby has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in today's Australia Day honours.

Mr Gatenby was among on 16 Tasmanians have been honoured with Orders of Australia for their exceptional contributions in fields such as law, politics, medicine, community service, agriculture, the arts, mental health and conservation.

As President of the then TFGA from 2009-2013, and as a longstanding member of various agricultural committees, Mr Gatenby played a key role in advocating for the farming community. 

His volunteer efforts include service with the Campbell Town Health and Community Service and the Tasmanian Fire Service. 

His leadership and community involvement also extend to local history, sports and councils.

 Another northern-Tasmanian agriculturalist, David Downie, was also awarded an OAM for his community service in Campbell Town, including in local government and has had instrumental roles in agriculture.

He was Northern Midlands Council Mayor from 2014-2018 and was also the Former Chairman for the Elizabeth/Macquarie Irrigation Trust, playing an important part for local agriculture

In the south, Marion Woodward was recognised for her dedication to both the agricultural sector and her local community with an OAM.

She served for over 40 years with the Huon Agricultural Society and played a pivotal role in the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.

Over the years she supported and ran many agricultural events supporting the community.

The Governor-General congratulated all of the 2025 Australia Day honours recipients, thanking them for their work of care and service to the nation.

“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life. Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them,” Ms Moysten said.

“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system. We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.”

A total of 457 people were recognised in the Order of Australia (General Division) in the Australia Day 2025 list.

The full list of  2025 Tasmanian recipients:

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)

The Honourable Duncan James Kerr SC: For service to law, social justice, and Australian politics.

The Honourable Nicholas John Sherry: For his work in Parliament, superannuation, and community initiatives.

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)

Dr James Markos: For contributions to medical education and research in respiratory and sleep disorders.

Ms Margaret Ann (Peg) Putt: For significant service to conservation and the environment, and to the Parliament of Tasmania.

MEDAL IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)

Mrs Joanne Gay Cook: For her leadership in mental health and advocacy for eating disorder awareness.

Mr Shane Gerard Donnelly: For his dedicated service to the Parliament of Tasmania.

Mr David John Downie: For his community service in Campbell Town, including local government.

Mr David John Gatneby: For his service to agriculture, volunteer work, and community involvement.

Ms Margaret Elizabeth Hoban: For her outstanding contributions to the arts, especially in music.

Miss Laura-Jude Johnson: For her leadership in community mental health and youth suicide prevention.

Dr Emma Lee: For her service to the Indigenous community, focusing on leadership and environmental conservation.

The Reverend Josephine Margaret Pyecroft: For her pastoral leadership in the Anglican Church.

Miss Angela Maree Russell: For her work in nursing and international volunteer medical crises.

Mr Vlastislav Pavel Skvaril: For his charity work, particularly with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Camp Quality.

Mrs Denise Mary Talbot: For her community service, including women’s advocacy and education.

Mrs Marion Woodward: For her decades of service to agriculture and her community contributions.