FORTUNATELY for those who call the Nambucca Valley home there are some in the community who put others before themselves.

In this year’s Australia Day Honours list a few of those individuals were formally recognised for their selfless dedication to the community.

News Of The Area caught up with a local man who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, Mr John Kent.

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way we recognise achievements which benefit or bring honour to the Australian community.

Mr Kent has a long history of outstanding service to the community and the Medal of the Order of Australia is fitting formal recognition of how much his community and the nation appreciate his efforts.

Mr Kent told News Of The Area, “I am very humbled to be considered worthy of this award and I thank everyone who has been alongside me on the journey.

“There is immense satisfaction in knowing that the organisations I’ve been part of have made a difference in people’s lives and I am proud that I belong in a community where people constantly come together for the common good.”

Mr Kent served with the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years and since that time has been dedicated to the welfare of veterans and their families.

He has served on the executive of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch for over twelve years and is a founding member of the Naval and Mariners Nambucca Valley Association.

Mr Kent assisted in the formation of the We’re Here Initiative which is a unique project that encourages those exiting the Defence Force to consider relocating to the Nambucca Valley.

His resume as a volunteer also includes five years as a driver for Community Transport, being a founding member and current President of the Nambucca Mens Shed, a Board Member of the Nambucca Heads Bowling and Recreation Club since 2014 and the current Vice-Chairperson of that board.

For the last three years Mr Kent has been a valued member of the Mid North Coast Health District’s Community Reference Group and is also a member of the Pressure Injury Committee at the Macksville Hospital.

In 2016, Mr Kent’s work for the community was recognised locally in the Nambucca Shire Council Award.

Congratulations to Mr John Lochwood Kent on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Nambucca Heads.

 

By Mick BIRTLES