Order of Australia Medal

In 2011, Howard was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the community through social justice and legal organisations.

Bell gets a Gong

Published in Gosford Central Community News, 20 June 2011, by Kaitlin Watts

Dr Howard Bell of Gosford has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the general division for his service to the community through social justice and legal organisations.

Dr Bell is the current convenor for the Central Coast division of Amnesty International Australia, Former Chairman and Foundation Member of the Inner Sydney Catholic Social Justice Group, Committee Member for the Council for Civil Liberties, a member of the United National Association of Australia, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney and a friend of the Sydney Peace Foundation among other titles.

Dr Bell is a lawyer, soldier, teacher, human rights activist, researcher and social justice campaigner.

Dr Bell said the medal was for “helping out in our community” and was “a lovely and unexpected surprise”.

“I think a big part of it was the work we do with the Central Coast Group of Amnesty,” he said.

“That is really all done by our amazing and hard working local general secretary Steven Turner, our incredible community campaigner and resident freedom signer Melody Pascoe and the inspired guidance of the wonderful Glenys North and our former convener Dr John McFarlane,” he said.

“Word cannot adequately describe the feeling,” he said. “I was speechless (which is rare for me because I am such a chatterbox). I cried with joy. I thought about how this great honour can enable us to be of greater service to other - how to give more, to love more,” said Dr Bell.

“None of us do what we do ever expecting to be recognised in such an exciting way. So when something like this happens it feels almost surreal. The first thing I wanted to do was share the happy news with my six beautiful grandchildren - six of my best mates,” he said.

Mr Bell said it all started years ago when he was working as a young trade union rep with community groups.

“I have always been amazed at how a little bit of advice, help and support to people here can make such a difference in their lives, it really can change the world. I still really want to make a difference and to help create a better world for the future: for my grandchildren and their generation and their children towards a sustainable future of peace on earth.

“I am deeply inspired by the vision of Amnesty International - imagine a world in which every man, woman and child enjoys all of their human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right not to be homeless. That’s the world we all need to build,” said Mr Bell.

Meet Howard Bell, OAM

The good deeds of one WorkCover NSW employee have been formally recognised, with Principal Solicitor Howard Bell one of the latest recipients of a Medal of the Order of Australia.

The Order of Australia Medal, a way for Australians to recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens, was awarded to Howard in appreciation of his extensive volunteer and community service as President and Convenor of the Central Coast group of Amnesty International.

Howard was overjoyed yet humbled when he was announced as a recipient.

“I was surprised, delighted, deeply honoured and humbled by the award,” said Howard.

“None of us do what we do out there with the expectation or the dream that one day our work will ever be celebrated in such a wonderful and joyous way.

“I have had the good fortune of being able to enjoy a very full life as a volunteer with all kinds of community groups, trade unions, festivals, missions and care groups - and I have loved every minute of it all,” he said.

Central Coast-based Howard also sits on the NSW Regional Board of Amnesty, which provides leadership, resources, guidance, training and support to human rights campaigners and activists throughout the region.

As a member of WorkCover's Criminal Law Practice Group, Howard somehow manages to balance a hectic working day with a fulfilling home life. In addition to Amnesty he devotes time to a number of social organisations including St Vincent de Paul, Greenpeace, Cana Communities and The Law Society of NSW Human Rights Committee.

Howard is also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve and has served overseas as a peacekeeper in East Timor.

So how does he do it?

“Carefully manage your time, energy, diet, exercise and stress levels, and rest,” is Howard's advice.

“We are all very busy in our jobs here at WorkCover, but your home and family always comes first.

“Prioritising and good planning is fundamental to being productive in all areas of your life,” he said.