Each year, the Queen's Birthday Honours provide recognition for “meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous community service” across sectors such as education; science and research; industry; sport and the arts - representing the very best of Australia.

In NSW, the Department of Education can now count three more dedicated staff members on the honours list.

“I want to congratulate Jason Ellsmore, Ian Denton and Deborah Summerhayes for the recognition they have received through the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours,” Ms Georgina Harrisson, Secretary of the Department, said.

“As noted by the Governor-General, they share some common traits – including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service. Importantly, their positive contribution to countless NSW children cannot be underestimated – and for that I say thank you.”

This year’s NSW Department of Education Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients are:

Jason Ellsmore AM, Member of the Order of Australia, for significant service to education, and to youth sports.

Mr Ellsmore has been Assistant Principal of the Dorchester Education and Training Unit, Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre since 1997. He was previously a teacher at Campbellfield Public School and a tutor to Aboriginal students at Western Sydney University and Sarah Redfern High School. He has held significant roles in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association, NSW High School Sports Association and other community cricket and rugby league clubs.

Ian Denton OAM, Medal of the Order of Australia for service to secondary education.

Mr Denton has been a teacher since 1966, including 32 years as a head teacher of mathematics at South Sydney and Vaucluse Boys High Schools, and Vaucluse High School. Since 2006, Ian has been a teacher at Sydney Distance Education High School.

Deborah Summerhayes PSM, Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to education in NSW.

Ms Summerhayes is Executive Director, School Performance Metropolitan South and West. Since 1987, she has demonstrated deep commitment to public education and influential leadership across the NSW Department of Education. During her educational career, Ms Summerhayes has worked as a teacher and head teacher, curriculum consultant and principal throughout South-Western and Western Sydney.

Also recognised this year is Leslie Loble AM, Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to public administration, and to education.

Before joining UTS, Ms Loble held senior roles in the Department between 1998 and 2020, including Deputy Secretary from 2015. She has been an advisory board member of the Gonski Institute for Education since 2018.

“The Honours List also recognises many community members for service to their local communities, such as Mrs Hasna Ahmad AM, Member of the Order of Australia, who has been president of the Wiley Park Public School P&C for many years and assists regularly in the school library,” Ms Harrisson said.

“To all those who have received recognition for their community service throughout the public education system in NSW, I offer my wholehearted congratulations.”