As the Ararat Rural City Council’s inaugural Australia Day Ararat Ambassador last year, Mrs Radford said she had been able to become even more familiar with the region’s community groups.

Mrs Radford said she described herself as fortunate, a ‘behind-the-scenes person’ and a bit of a perfectionist.

“I have been very fortunate in whatever I have been able to do that’s been involved with the community, because I believe that we have a wonderful community in Ararat and district. I feel extremely honoured and humbled because whatever I have done has been because other people have been there to help me do it.”

Mrs Radford listed the helipad at Ararat’s hospital as one of the best things she worked towards and felt a jolt of emotion whenever she heard a medical evacuation helicopter fly over. She was also proud of her work with Legacy.  

Since the early 1900s Maxwell John McLean’s family has served the township of Moyston by volunteering with community groups and helping to nurture the region’s emerging firefighters.

Mr McLean’s dedication was awarded with an OAM in the 2018 Australia Day honours list. “I have just continued what my family has been doing in the community before me – helping to promote volunteerism and building community spirit.”  

Mr McLean is currently the caretaker at Moyston Community Centre and a member of the Ararat Rural City Council’s Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee.

He has also been the secretary of Moyston Public Parks Committee and president of the Moyston Progress Association and Moyston Sheepdog Club.  He has also played an integral role in the Country Fire Authority.