Four members of the Kiama community have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours.

Michael Cassel, who put on his first theatrical productions at Kiama High, has been awarded an AM (Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia) for his significant service to theatre production.

As CEO and Producer of the Michael Cassel Group, he has brought musicals such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King and Hamilton to Australia, as well as producing shows on Broadway and in the West End.

Last year, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong.

Michael Cassel now lives in San Souci, but Kiama will always claim him

The late Peter Bowman of Gerringong has received an OAM (Order of Australia in the General Division) for his service to sports administration.

The former councillor (2008-12) held senior coaching and administrative positions at the Australian Institute of Sport, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Athletics Australia and the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association.

The President of the Kiama-Jamberoo Sub-Branch, Gary McKay of Kiama Downs, has been awarded an OAM for his service to military history and to veterans.

Gary McKay MC

The Vietnam veteran received the Military Cross in 1972 for his gallantry during the Battle of Nui Le, the last major battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in South Vietnam. As an historian he has written a number of books on aspects of the the war, and led tours to Vietnam.

Gerringong's Darrell Shephard has also received an OAM, for his service to softball. He has been a National Umpires Staff Member of Softball Australia since 2016, having umpired 334 national championship games since 1980 and 92 international games.

He won the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and is a life member of Softball NSW, its Umpires Association, the Illawarra Softball Association and Dapto Softball Club.