Keith’s Member Spotlight: From Humble Community Spirit To O.A.M. Recipient
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Members, we came across the most exciting piece of news recently! We have an O.A.M [Medal of the Order of Australian] recipient among us! The format of this member spotlight will be slightly different as we are sharing the announcement detailing Keith’s many accomplishments.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Order of Australia, they recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.
Without further adieu, here’s how SDC member Keith Duggan snagged himself this prestigious honour during the 2023 Australia Day Awards.
‘Keith Duggan was awarded the O.A.M. for services to his community in a range of roles.
‘When Keith and his wife, Dorothy arrived in Howlong in November 1988, Keith decided that he was not going to just live here, but be part of the community.
‘Within 4 months of arriving, Keith was coaching Howlong Under 11 football and did so for 4 years. He was also editor of the Howlong Football Club’s Record which was distributed each match day.
‘Keith was active in a variety of community groups including:
‘When The Hume Shire was divided, Howlong went to Corowa Shire and at the time, the State Government stated that there would be no Council elections until the next round. Keith, along with many other residents, decided that Howlong needed some form of representation, so with Corowa Shire’s approval formed a Community Representative Committee which met monthly with Corowa Council.
‘In 2000, Keith had the privilege and honour of being selected to run through Howlong with the Olympic Torch.
‘In 2005, Keith was awarded the Corowa Shire Citizen of the Year Award.
‘He also received a Certification of Appreciation from the Howlong Lions Club for his assistance over the years.
‘In 2007, he was awarded a Volunteer of the Year Certification of Appreciation from the Murray Region of Councils for services in the local area.
‘Prior to moving to Howlong [on the Murray, 30kms from Albury], Keith lived in Fawkner, an outer suburb of Melbourne and was an active member of this community also including:
‘Keith has always committed himself to the community that he resides in and wherever and whenever his community needed his help or support, Keith did not hesitate.
‘He is immensely grateful and humbled by the award bestowed on him and feels his efforts have been seen and would do it all again if he could.’
Isn’t this absolutely beautiful? It’s so inspiring to see not only Keith’s achievements but to know he received well-deserved recognition.
The following is a message from the Governor-General for the 2023 Australia Day Honours List:
‘Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,’ the Governor-General said.
‘They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.’
‘They’re almost always humble to a fault but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.’
We have to agree, this absolutely calls for a massive pat on the back and celebration!
The Governor-General also added that ‘each recipient has something in common – someone nominated them. The Order belongs to each of us and we each have a part to play. The only way a person can be recognised is for someone to nominate them.’
If there’s someone with a heart of gold, like Keith, in your community, why not nominate them for the 2024 Australia Day Honours List?
A huge congratulations to Keith for this momentous accomplishment. We are so thrilled to have you as a member of the SDC!
Members, if you have any well wishes for Keith, please share them below!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Order of Australia, they recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.
Without further adieu, here’s how SDC member Keith Duggan snagged himself this prestigious honour during the 2023 Australia Day Awards.
‘Keith Duggan was awarded the O.A.M. for services to his community in a range of roles.
‘When Keith and his wife, Dorothy arrived in Howlong in November 1988, Keith decided that he was not going to just live here, but be part of the community.
‘Within 4 months of arriving, Keith was coaching Howlong Under 11 football and did so for 4 years. He was also editor of the Howlong Football Club’s Record which was distributed each match day.
Sheryl Pitman and Keith Duggan have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Image Credit: Corowa Free Press
‘Keith was active in a variety of community groups including:
- Being elected to the Committee of the Howlong Golf Club (now Howlong Golf Resort), serving as Social Director for 3 years.
- Member of the Howlong Bridge Relocation Committee – Resident member.
- A member of the Howlong Primary School Committee, being invited to join under new regulations that encouraged residents to participate for 3 years.
- Volunteer Community Driver, taking residents to Doctor’s appointments and shopping for 5 years.
- A member of the Howlong Christmas Picnic Committee and acted as the town’s Santa for many years.
- In conjunction with local Parliamentarian Harold Mair, helped establish a local Probus Club, which today has more than 75 members.
- Was called upon by radio 2AY and ABC to report news from Howlong
- Established a web page for Howlong.
- Keith was appointed Advertising Director of the local Community Newsletter, ‘The Howlong Grapevine’ and served in this role for more than 10 years. Keith then became the Editor for another 10 years. Even today he still assists with stories and doing the Joke page.
‘When The Hume Shire was divided, Howlong went to Corowa Shire and at the time, the State Government stated that there would be no Council elections until the next round. Keith, along with many other residents, decided that Howlong needed some form of representation, so with Corowa Shire’s approval formed a Community Representative Committee which met monthly with Corowa Council.
‘In 2000, Keith had the privilege and honour of being selected to run through Howlong with the Olympic Torch.
‘In 2005, Keith was awarded the Corowa Shire Citizen of the Year Award.
‘He also received a Certification of Appreciation from the Howlong Lions Club for his assistance over the years.
‘In 2007, he was awarded a Volunteer of the Year Certification of Appreciation from the Murray Region of Councils for services in the local area.
‘Prior to moving to Howlong [on the Murray, 30kms from Albury], Keith lived in Fawkner, an outer suburb of Melbourne and was an active member of this community also including:
- Treasurer of Brunswick Kindergarten Committee.
- President of Moomba Park Primary School.
- President of Fawkner Technical School. (Where all his children attended.)
- Committee Member of Moomba Park Football Club.
- Coach of Moomba Park Football Club’s ‘Scrubbers’ and under 9’s for 7 years.
- Coached Carlton Little League for 11 years, winning 2 premierships.
- Recognition of 10 years of service by The A.F.L. for services to the Little League Competition.
- Life Member Fawkner Little Athletics Centre. Where he was Program Coordinator and announcer for the weekly competitions.
- Formed the Moomba Park Netball Club, and consequently became a Life Member in 1974.
- Keith was a foundation member of Fawkner Rotary.
- He was also Budget Director in the Fawkner & District Credit Co-operative.
The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Image Credit: gg.gov.au
‘Keith has always committed himself to the community that he resides in and wherever and whenever his community needed his help or support, Keith did not hesitate.
‘He is immensely grateful and humbled by the award bestowed on him and feels his efforts have been seen and would do it all again if he could.’
Isn’t this absolutely beautiful? It’s so inspiring to see not only Keith’s achievements but to know he received well-deserved recognition.
The following is a message from the Governor-General for the 2023 Australia Day Honours List:
‘Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,’ the Governor-General said.
‘They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.’
‘They’re almost always humble to a fault but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.’
We have to agree, this absolutely calls for a massive pat on the back and celebration!
The Governor-General also added that ‘each recipient has something in common – someone nominated them. The Order belongs to each of us and we each have a part to play. The only way a person can be recognised is for someone to nominate them.’
If there’s someone with a heart of gold, like Keith, in your community, why not nominate them for the 2024 Australia Day Honours List?
A huge congratulations to Keith for this momentous accomplishment. We are so thrilled to have you as a member of the SDC!
Members, if you have any well wishes for Keith, please share them below!
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