John Murray says he hasn’t got a special celebration in mind for today after receiving an Order of Australia Medal.
“I will just go and feed my cows and that will be about it,’’ said the 82 year old former Camden councillor.
A Cobbitty resident for many years, he is one of three Macarthur residents named in the 2018 Australia Day honours.
St Andrews resident Theo Dechaufepie, 66, was very excited about his Order of Australia Medal honour when he spoke to the Voice yesterday.
“I can’t wait to tell my family on Australia Day,’’ he said.
The third is well known former politician John Ryan, who has been appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
Mr Ryan, 61, who has always had a way with words, said of the honour: It was like a little lightning bolt of happiness; I am gobsmacked.’’
Just like the other two recipients, Mr Ryan said he wasn’t planning to have a big celebration on Australia Day.
Indeed, it will be business as usual, he said.
“I will attend the Camden Thanksgiving service for Australia Day at 8.15am, we’ll get a cup of tea in Argyle street, then participate in the St John’s Anglican Church float,’’ he said.
“But for the first time, we will then head to the City for a few beers and watch the fireworks.’’
Mr Ryan received his honour for “significant service to the Parliament of New South Wales, and to public administration, particularly the development of accommodation policy for people with a disability.’’
Theo Dechaufepie received his honour for “service to veterans and their families’’.
“I am sure there are lots of other people more worthy than me to get such an honour – I am humbled,’’ he said.
Mr Dechaufepie spent 20 years in the Australian Army, including a tour of the Vietnam war.
Cobbitty farmer John Murray – he has 50 acres and 22 head of cattle – received his OAM honour “for service to the community of Bankstown.
He has been president of Bankstown Sports Club since 2006, director since 1981 and a volunteer there since 1958.
Mr Murray, who served 10 years on Camden Council, is also a volunteer and former president of the Cobbitty bush fire brigade.
“I am humbled but think I deserve this – I just wish I knew who nominated me so I could thank them,’’ Mr Murray said.
