On 26 January 2015, 14 Local Commissioners of the Family Responsibilities Commission were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to an Indigenous community of the Cape York Peninsula. Commissioner David Glasgow of the Family Responsibilities Commission was also appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law as a Magistrate, and to the Indigenous communities of Northern Queensland.
The 14 Local Commissioners who were awarded medals all commenced with the Commission in 2008 and are from the following communities:
     Aurukun: Edgar Kerindun, Vera Koomeeta, Doris Poonkamelya, Sarah Wolmby and Ada Woolla
     Coen: May Kepple, Elaine Liddy, Peter Peter and Garry Port
     Hope Vale: Brian Cobus, Victor Gibson and Doreen Hart
     Mossman Gorge: Karen Gibson and Loretta Spratt
Each of the Local Commissioners has undertaken their demanding and challenging role in order to work toward improving the lives of their fellow community members, and many have taken on their role whilst juggling fulltime employment, family commitments, and citizenship of the communities in which they serve. They have been required to interpret legislation, balance evidence, and make and support tough decisions that have at times impacted their lives and the lives of their family members, friends and neighbours. The dedication, determination and commitment demonstrated by each and every one of them has served as a driver for positive social change in the remote Indigenous communities.
It is no exaggeration to state that Commissioner David Robert Glasgow has dedicated his life, since the commencement of the Commission in 2008, to forging the present and future FRC. He has travelled to the communities on a weekly basis, training and encouraging the Local Commissioners to become the empowered community leaders they are today. Aside from successfully building Indigenous responsibility, authority and leadership, he has strengthened the Commission’s position in the communities through developing and nurturing its strategic partnerships. Through Commissioner Glasgow’s conscientious and devoted leadership he has created a dedicated team who are committed to building upon the successful outcomes achieved to date.
Commissioner Glasgow and his fellow Local Commissioners were presented with their medals by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland at the Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony at the Hotel Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort on Wednesday, 27 May 2015. Distinguished official guests included Mrs de Jersey, Professor Elizabeth Harman AO and the Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Bob Manning OAM.