Karen Noonan OAM

The 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List saw a diverse group of recipients recognised, many of whom were honoured for service to various Victorian communities – particularly those in regional and rural areas.  

Among those recognised was Karen Noonan OAM, who was invested for outstanding service to community music and through emergency response organisations.  

“So, I got an email, which I thought was a joke or a scam, and thought, ‘No, how could it be me?’… and then I looked at the email, and it looked fair dinkum, and then I thought perhaps if someone has gone to the trouble of nominating me, I’m going to have to accept.”  

A stalwart of the local community in Monbulk, Karen has been involved with a number of volunteer organisations over several decades.  

A primary school choir teacher since 1989, she has also been closely involved in a wide range of events that promote tourism and bring the local community together.  

From involvement in the Girl Guides, to the CFA, to community music events – the breadth of Karen’s volunteering service is truly impressive.  

Among those roles, it was the organising of Carols on the Mountain which Karen had found to be a particular highlight.  

“I think probably the Carols on the Mountain, that community event that happens every year, that’s probably the highlight of all the things I do.”  

This annual event, hosted by the Fire Brigade in Sassafras and Ferny Creek, has been an important part of the local community’s calendar since 2005.  

Not only does Karen conduct the choir, she is also responsible for organising bands and arranging performers for the show.  

Reflecting on her recognition in the Order of Australia, Karen acknowledged that her upbringing had instilled in her a focus on “what you can give back to the community” and it was something you “just did.”  

Karen was joined at the ceremony by her sons, who spoke of her longstanding contributions across many areas.  

“She’s one of those unsung community people that are always behind the scenes, always involved at some level… There were so many ‘little’ things that Karen was involved in, and when you pile them all together, it was a massive contribution over 40-50 years," one son said.  

Following her recognition at the investiture ceremony, Karen indicated a desire to nominate others in her community who are also making an outstanding contribution.  

“There are definitely people in the community that I’m aware of that would warrant a nomination, so I’ll be looking forward to doing that sort of thing.”