Former premier, Morris Iemma has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the King's Birthday Honours.
Life post-politics has been busy for former NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
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For his efforst he has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the King's Birthday Honours for his distinguished service to the people and Parliament of NSW, particularly as Premier, to the not-for-profit sector, and to community sport.
Mr Immea was NSW Premier from 2005 to 2008, Treasurer from 2005 to 2006, Minister for Health 2003 to 2005 and Minister for Sport and Recreation, 2001 to 2003.
Post-politics has supported many charitable and sports organizations.
His community work includes chair of the Usman Khawaja Foundation, 2017-2026, chair of the Cancer Institute of NSW 2009-2023, chair of the Biaggio Signorelli (Asbestos) Foundation, 2009-2016, and now as its patron; and chair of the Miracle Babies Foundation 2009-2020.
His sporting activities include board member of Cricket Australia, president of the NSW Districts Cricket Association since 2018, vice-president of the St George District Cricket Association since 2017, president of Kingsgrove Cricket Club 2011-2023, director Football NSW 2019-2023.
His support of the Signorelli (Asbestos) Foundation stems from personal experience.
"I grew up in an area with a lot of factory workers who came in contact with asbestos because of their work," Mr Iemma said.
"A neighbour contracted asbestos after working at a brick, concrete and cement manufacturer. A close family friend, Biaggio Signorelli, contracted and died of asbestosis after working in a radiator factory for only a year. When I was premier I met Bernie Banton, campaigner for people with asbestos-related diseases. It is an insidious, silent killer. I was struck by their courage," he said.
Mr Iemma became involved in many sporting organisations through his children.
"Like any parent, I'd take the kids to local football or cricket matches. Then I was asked to become a volunteer, a coach and then to be on the committee and become involved in recruitment."
Mr Iemma's daughter, Clara, finished up playing cricket for the NSW Under-15s and Under 18s, for the Sydney Sixers and ACT Women's team.
His son Matthew played grade cricket for St George and at state level.His twins Josh and Luka played for Kingsgrove and St George representative level.
He became chair of the Usman Khawaja Foundation, which provides scholarships and financail suport for young sufering disadvantage.
"Sport became a passion after politics," Mr Immea said,
"I have met some wonderful people as premier but through sport I formed many new friendships, in townships and remote areas, good people who are looking for sport, the glue that holds communities together," he said.
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