Residents honoured with medals

The Pilbara's three Order of Australia recipients have received their medals at an official ceremony in Perth.

Maureen Kelly, Gordon Yuline and former Member for the Pilbara Tom Stephens were recognised for their long service and work with indigenous communities during this year's Australia Day Honours.

The trio received their OAMs from WA governor Malcolm McCusker during a State ceremony held on Friday, April 4, at Government House.

At the ceremony, Mrs Kelly was accompanied by her husband Bob, a daughter and granddaughter - who all sat in prime position in the second row.

She said although she found out about the award back in January, it was a poignant occasion.

"I was still in shock (from finding out about the honour) … the medals are beautiful," she said.

"It was very moving and very emotional - you had to be in control of your emotions.

"They kept saying 'Mum don't you cry' and I said 'I'm not going to cry, why would I want to cry'."

Mrs Kelly said it was an honour to be recognised alongside Mr Stephens and Mr Yuline.

"Tom Stephens has been a personal friend of ours for over 30 years, we know him really, really well," she said.

"It was great for the three of us from the Pilbara to win the award - a trifecta for the Pilbara.

"Last year it was Fran Carter and this year there's three of us … we've done all right in the Pilbara."

After the ceremony, recipients had the chance to mingle with the Governor-General and his wife Tonya.

Since returning to Hedland, Mrs Kelly's family and friends have been eager to see the medal.

She said she encouraged Pilbara residents to nominate others for such recognition.

"It was an honour," she said.