Aboriginal elder Ted Lovett (pictured) was one of nine people across the region to be recognised today with a Queen’s Birthday Honour for their tireless work within their respective fields.
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They may not be as recognisable as movie stars, pop singers or top athletes. Instead they fly under the radar, achieving great things for little or no reward.
And much like our beloved Uncle Ted, the other Ballarat recipients are humbled by the latest accolade.
As well as Mr Lovett, who received an OAM for his extensive service to the indigenous community of south-west Victoria, the others to be recognised include radio announcer and Ewing House School for the Deaf teacher Frank Clark; ambulance officer Les Hotchin; the driving force behind the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Jeff Moorfoot; Aussie Action Abroad founder Graeme Kent; respected Ballarat stalwart Janet Torney; sporting identity Morgan Murphy; agriculture manufacturer John Richards; volunteer Heather McCallum.
These are people who are quiet achievers. They go about their day-to-day work or volunteering not looking for any special recognition. They are just “doing the do”.
And why shouldn’t these honour recipients be recognised for what they do?
They give up their time to help shape this region into what it is today … an area that others in regional Australia want to replicate.
These dedicated people should be celebrated. They should be recognised accordingly and held up as an example for all of us to aspire to.
They are selfless people who live their lives to help others, whether that be as part of their jobs as ambulance officers, as manufacturers, as teachers.
But they also dedicate much of their spare time in the pursuit of other people’s happiness and wellbeing, whether that be as a drug program advocate, as a deliverer of meals to the sick and elderly in the community or by organising events and activities which showcase this fair city.
In a society which often advocates a NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitude or turns a cold shoulder to those in need, these Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients are the epitome of generosity of heart and hands.
The next generation of Ballaratians should use these recipients as an example of what they want to be in the future … tireless workers, dedicated community leaders, selfless advocates, quiet achievers … unsung heroes.