“Out of the blue” honour for RDA volunteer

It’s the quiet achievers who go about their roles without fuss – until they receive notification that they are a recipient for a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).   

For Bargo resident Evelyn McDonald, 87, it was a surprise and honour to have been acknowledged for her service to the community of Wollondilly.

“I feel overwhelmed,” the mother, grandmother and great grandmother said.

“It was out of the blue that I was even considered.

“I would love to know who nominated me,” Mrs McDonald said, who was also named Wollondilly Senior Citizen of the Year this year.

Mrs McDonald has been heavily involved in the community with:

Wollondilly Riding for the Disabled (RDA) – founding member and inaugural treasurer, since 1986 and Life Member.

Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Picton, 20 years;

 Past Treasurer, Parents and Citizens Committee, Tahmoor Primary School, and;

 Treasurer, Wollondilly Pony Club, nine years.

“I am very proud someone considered I was worthy of this award.”

Even though she is in her senior years, Mrs McDonald, is still involved in Wollondilly Riding for the Disabled, whether in the treasurer’s role or making cups of tea when the school children come to ride.

She is always delighted to see the children – some who are nonverbal and/or who have high needs smile when they are “riding or brushing the horse.”

Mrs McDonald, a former rider, said it gives her pleasure to see the difference the interaction with the animals has on the children.

She will continue to be part of RDA if she is able, Mrs McDonald said.

Commitment to service to community

Edward Gilroy’s service to the community of Camden was recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Gilroy, 90 from Narellan Vale, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM for his community involvement in and around the area, even his life membership with the Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club was brought to light.

Mr Gilroy is humbled by the acknowledgement and said this award “was out of his league”.

“I am not a polished performer.”

Mr Gilroy, husband, father of four, grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of 15 is currently researching his family history and discovering quite a bit. He is very active in the community and researching his family history.

Polished or not, Mr Gilroy’s nomination and contribution spoke volumes of his commitment to service and community.

His achievements include:

Macarthur Lions Club – president, 2006-2007, and 2017 and member, 20 years as well as being the Lion of the Year, 2021;

 The Melvin Jones Award. Community;

 Member, St Johns Anglican Church, current;

 Member, Australian Justice of the Peace, current;

Authorising Officer, Camden Library, current;

 Former Chairperson, Events Reference group, Camden Council;

Australian Army, 1955-1960;

 Surf Life Saving, Tamarama volunteer, 1951-2024 – Life Member;

Citizen of the Year, Camden Council, 2015.

Deserving award winners in Camden

Denise Pritchard, a passionate local who supports vulnerable women and children has been crowned Camden’s Citizen of the Year.

Ms Pritchard, who was given the award at the Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony at Camden Civic Centre, has been a member of the Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee for more than 10 years.  She was also heavily involved in setting up Blue Wren House – Camden Women’s Shelter, where she is a board member.

Taking out Young Citizen of the Year was Brydie Meredith an inspiring teacher at Catherine Park Physie and Dance.

Beverley Batros and Garry Clarke both took home the Sports Achievement Award.

Ms Batros has been a member of the netball club, Benkennie, since its inception in 1984.

Mr Clarke is a member of the Eventing Equestriad Committee, where he volunteers countless hours of his time.

The Camden West Rural Fire Station won the Community Group Award.

Artist Patricia Johnson won the Arts and Cultural Award.

“Shining a spotlight on these fantastic people in the Camden community is our absolute pleasure,” Mayor of Camden, councillor Ashleigh Cagney, said.

“Camden is the amazing place it is because of their tireless efforts and I’d like to thank all of the winners, and indeed everyone who was nominated, for the contributions they make to our area.”

Pictured (left to right) Young Citizen of the Year, Brydie Meredith; Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney; and Citizen of the Year, Denise Pritchard.