Coodanup maritime history enthusiasts recognised in Queen's birthday Honours List

Jill and Peter Worsley have volunteered their time to the Maritime Heritage Association and Western Australian Museum over many years.

Their journey started in the 1970s when they joined the Maritime Archaeological Association of Western Australia whilst living in Geraldton.

During this time they volunteered for the Maritime Museum in Fremantle by diving on ship wrecks and conserving the Batavia Cannons.

Since moving to Coodanup in 2001, Mr and Mrs Worsley have conducted extensive research on maritime history and had three substantial books on the topic published.

With the pair now working on further individual publications, their dedication to maritime history has resulted in inclusion on the Queen's Birthday Honours 2019 List.

Mr Worsley said he was humbled to be included.

"We do it purely as volunteers - we get nothing out of it except the pleasure of doing the research and writing," he said.

"As far as I'm concerned, I do it because I enjoy the research but it is also important to get the information out to people."

Mrs Worsley said the pair did not know who nominated them for the award, which came as a surprise.

"We don't know who nominated us and it doesn't matter," she said.

"We have had so much help along the way - some of the honour rubs off on the people that have helped us - meeting these people has been part of the pleasure."

Mr and Mrs Worsley will be recognised along with other recipients in an official ceremony later in the year.