Noel Hicks has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), recognising a lifetime of achievement and work in federal politics, as well as his dedicated work in the Riverina.
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Mr Hicks, who was federal member for Riverina from 1980 to 1998, has been involved in a number of committees, groups and projects aimed at improving quality of life across the region.
He has been recognised for "significant service to the Parliament of Australia, and to the community of the Riverina".
Mr Hicks has chaired the Murrumbidgee General Practice Network Board, was Griffith Rotary Club president, was mayor of Broken Hill from 1974 to 1977 and has led the advisory board of the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration.
With such a list of accomplishments, Mr Hicks said he didn't know who nominated him, but he was grateful to them. He said he was accepting the honour on behalf of all involved with his projects.
"I'm deeply honoured. I do want to thank the nominators, I know how much work is involved in it," he said.
"I got the letter saying I was nominated, it came totally out of the blue. For a bit, I wasn't sure whether I should accept it but I thought that what it does is honour those I've been involved with. I've met a lot of wonderful people."
He added that while he would definitely be asking those close to him for who nominated him, he wasn't expecting to find out. He emphasised that he didn't do the work for any sort of recognition, rather that it simply needed to be done.
"I'm always looking for something new ... You just go about doing your duty, there's so much to be done. There's still a lot more to be done."
OTHER AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS RECIPIENTS
He had a large list of people to thank, beginning with his wife Annie Hicks. Mrs Hicks was a bit less modest about his achievements.
"I'm very proud. He's always thinking about the community, even just picking up rubbish around the area," she said.
He ended his list with his younger brother and sister, Trevor and Marie Hicks. Both have passed away, but he was confident they would be pleased. "They'd be thrilled."
Not to forget anyone, he reiterated his gratitude towards all those he's worked with in the past on his array of community projects and work.
"It's the ones you're associated with that make it possible," he said.
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