Mr Fairfax was one of several Highlanders acknowledged by Governor-General Quentin Bryce in the Australia Day 2010 Honours List, with Moss Vale's Nigel Milan appointed a Member (AM) in the general division of the order of Australia for service to the Australian radio and television industries, and to the community, particularly eye-health, medical and arts organisation, while Medals (AM) of the order of Australia in the general division went to Robertson environmentalist Linda Bergin and Burradoo conservationist Jennifer Simons.

Mr Fairfax - who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in The Queen’s Birthday 1993 Honours List for service to the arts and community - received this year's accoldae for service to the community through support and philanthropy for the visual arts, conservation organisations and building programs for medical research and educational facilities.

Yerinbool rural firefighter Ian Smith and Bargo's Gregory Green were presented with the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Former Highlander Philip Bruem, who now lives at Forbes, was also appointed a Member (AM) for service to the dairy industry, particularly through the implementation and promotion of advanced technology, and to the community.

Mr Bruem was chairman of the Moss Vale branch of the NSW Dairy Farmers Association, a rural firefighter at Avoca, chairman of the Wildes Meadow Uniting Church Property Trust and an adviser for the Avoca Rural Youth Club.

Read the full stories in Wednesday's edition of the Southern Highland News.