Kenmore Local Suellen Hardie Awarded OAM for Service to Swimming Community

Kenmore resident Suellen Hardie has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours for her exceptional service to swimming as an official and administrator.


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The Order of Australia recognises outstanding achievements and contributions across the nation, celebrating individuals from all walks of life for their dedicated service.

Suellen Hardie’s journey in the swimming community began in 1990 when she joined the Kenmore State School Swimming Club. Her involvement and commitment to the sport quickly grew, leading her to serve in various significant roles over the years. Her notable contributions include:

  • Club Committee Member
  • Brisbane Swimming Association Management Committee
  • Board Member of Swimming Queensland
Suellen Hardie, third from left with Alan Smith, Simon Hooton, and Karen MacLeod (Photo credit: Swimming Queensland/Facebook)

In 2002, Ms Hardie took on the pivotal role of Chief Recorder for Swimming Queensland, a position she continues to hold today. Her extensive knowledge of IT platforms and swift problem-solving abilities have made her an invaluable asset in managing swimming events. Her expertise in the rules and policies of Swimming Queensland, particularly in areas such as seeding, swim-offs, and finalist determinations, is unparalleled.

Ms Hardie’s reputation as a technical official extends beyond Queensland. She has served as Control Room Supervisor at numerous national championships and international events, including The BHP Super-Series in Perth and the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast in 2014. She also took on this role at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Additionally, Ms Hardie has significantly contributed to the training and accreditation of swimming officials. She authored the Meet Manager Operator module for Swimming Australia’s accreditation process and had extensive input into several other training modules.

The Council which considers all nominations for the Order of Australia (Photo credit: Australian Honours and Awards/Facebook)

Her dedication and service to swimming have not gone unnoticed. In 2011, she was awarded Life Membership of Swimming Queensland, and in 2017, she received the prestigious John Keppie Award for Excellence as a Queensland Technical Official.

Suellen Hardie also served as President of the Brisbane Swimming Association, where she demonstrated her unwavering commitment and effectiveness as a leader.

Cr Gregg Adermann congratulated Ms Hardie, along with two other Pullenvale Ward residents, Emeritus Professor Michael Pender and Tanya Frazer, who were also recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday honours.

Professor Pender was honoured for his contributions to medicine, particularly neurology and Multiple Sclerosis research, whilst Frazer was honoured for her service to music.


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The 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List includes a total of 737 recipients. For the complete list, visit the Governor General’s website here.

Published 11-June-2024