RAY HAZEN
FORMER Ballarat resident and volunteer chief executive of the Southern Community Media Association Ray Hazen says he was surprised and honoured to receive the Order of Australia Medal this week.
With longtime links to Sebastopol and Redan, Mr Hazen is now based in Barham, NSW and received the award for services to broadcasting.
He has served as volunteer chief executive of the regional community broadcasting organisation and has decades of experience in community radio.
“it is a huge honour and a great feather in the cap for our organisation” he said.
“I consider myself to be an engine-room person and didn’t expect this recognition.”
Mr Hazen was a founding member of the National Regional Rural and Sub-Metro Broadcasters Conference and has held a range of executive positions with community radio stations in Victoria and New South Wales.
“I am a huge believer and supporter of volunteers and believe they are an integral part of Australian society,” he said.