WAGGA’S Can Assist branch founder received a rare honour when he was invested into the Order of Australia, by NSW Governor David Hurley.
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It’s only the second time the NSW Governor has come to the city to present a resident with their medal.
Thomas McMullen, said the Order of Australia Medal was not just recognition for himself, but for all the people who worked with the branch since it formed in 1979.
Mr McMullen’s daughter Margaret Macpherson delivered a speech on behalf of her father.
“You know I didn’t do it for awards or rewards,” Ms Macpherson said.
“A lot of other people did more than I did, I just brought an idea back from Sydney.
“Thank you also for all the support provided to Can Assist, and the old Cancer Patients Assistance Society, over the years.
“To be acknowledged by people outside your own group, family or community is very humbling.”
Mr Hurley said one of his most important duties as the state’s governor was to recognise service.
“Demonstrating to a community its strength,” he said.
“It’s so critical to know there’s good people out there and good work being done.
“Tom has seen beyond himself and given beyond himself.
“To be able to have an investiture outside Sydney … it doesn’t happen often, it’s a rare privilege.”
The NSW Governor returned to the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka where he was a platoon commander in 1978 and learned about new youth programs at Mount Austin High School during the visit.
At the school, Mr Hurley learned about the Clontarf Academy and Girls in the Centre programs, praising the efforts the school and community had made.
“It’s personal development, opening different pathways, keeping them at school and letting them understand what leadership and being an example is like.”
Mr Hurley extended an invitation to the students of the Clontarf Academy to visit Government House in Sydney, as long as they bring a didgeridoo to perform a song.
Mt Austin High’s principal Susan Lockwood said both the youth programs were about creating a new perception of students in the community and giving them the confidence to work with others.