Queen ’ s honours for
raft of Shire ’ s best
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden . Courtesy NSW Police .
Hills Shire residents were congratulated by Mayor Peter Gangemi upon receiving awards as part of the Queen ’ s Birthday 2022 Honours List .
“ Well done to each of these incredible award recipients and thank you for a lifetime of service to the community ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
The following people were recognised for their outstanding work and service within the community . Member ( AM ) in the General Division : Clinical Professor Sameer Bhole of West Pennant Hills for significant service to dentistry , to education and research , and to professional associations .
Professor Phoebe Anne Phillips of Baulkham Hills for significant service to pancreatic cancer research .
Lloyd William Taylor of Norwest for significant service to policing organisations , and as an officer .
Doug Walters , former Test play for significant service to cricket at an elite level . Medal ( OAM ) in the General Division : James Butler of Norwest for service to people with cancer .
Robert Henry Gardiner of Castle Hill for service to the community through a range of roles .
Hector Simon Soans of Kenthurst for service to the Anglo-Indian community of Australia .
James William Whitworth of West Pennant Hills for service to the aviation industry .
Brian Walters of Cherrybrook for service to veterans through a range of roles with Castle Hill RSL sub-branch . Public Service Medal ( PSM ): Rosemary Davidson for outstanding public service to the Children ’ s Court of NSW . Australian Police Medals ( APM ): Two police officers who have , or are serving in our district , were among 10 NSW Police to have been awarded Australian Police Medals ( APM ) in recognition of their dedication and service .
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden and Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler were congratulated by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb .
“ Not only is the award a special honour , but it also recognises the valuable contribution these officers make to their community each and every day ,” Commissioner Webb said .
“ Policing is a unique career , which exposes us to the best and worst of humanity and the APM is recognition of
Professor Phoebe Phillips . Courtesy Pancreatic Cancer Centre .
selfless duty to serving and protecting the community .”
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden – Traffic and Highway Patrol Command
Assistant Commissioner McFadden is a consummate dedicated police officer , recognised for his tireless devotion to policing over 34 years .
He was first stationed at Castle Hill Patrol in 1988 before transferring to the Cumberland Special Operations Group in 1991 . He then returned to Castle Hill in 1995 , working in criminal investigations and was designated as a detective in 1998 . In April 1999 , he transferred to the Internal Affairs Investigation Unit and was promoted to the rank of detective inspector in 2002 .
In January 2005 , he transferred to Hawkesbury Local Area Command as the Crime Manager and relieved periodically as the Commander at Hawkesbury , St Marys , Holroyd and Kuring-Gai Local Area Commands .
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden was promoted to the rank of superintendent in late 2010 as Holroyd Local Area Commander and in 2013 , transferred to Penrith Local Area Command , where he led the formation of Nepean Police Area Command in 2017 . He had been the Fairfield City Police Area Commander since 2020 before being promoted to his current rank of Assistant Commissioner and Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander .
Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler – The Hills Police Area Command
Chief Inspector Fowler is recognised for his long and distinguished career , having served the community in both rural and metropolitan areas , his diversity of policing experience and significant acts of courage . He commenced his service at Regent Street and Redfern Police stations , before transferring to Stuart Town in 1988 , Coonamble in 1991 , Kempsey in 1993 and then commenced Accident Investigation Duties in 1994 .
In 1996 , he returned to Sydney as a General Duties Supervisor at Chatswood , leading to further promotion to the rank of inspector in 2005 .
In July 2019 , Chief Inspector Fowler suffered a personal tragedy and his family faced significant public attention but throughout , he continued to advocate for proper due process and justice , such is his professionalism , decorum and reputation as a highly respected police officer serving the community of NSW for more than 40 years .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 85 // JULY 2022 9