General News
28 January, 2021
Locals earn Order of Australia medal nod
A COMMITTMENT to ensuring the sacrifices of those who served their country will never be forgotten has seen outgoing Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Steve Bloxham join a select few Australians in receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to veterans and their families.
A COMMITTMENT to ensuring the sacrifices of those who served their country will never be forgotten has seen outgoing Terang Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch president Steve Bloxham join a select few Australians in receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to veterans and their families.
Mr Bloxham received the OAM on Australia Day this week in recognition of his efforts with the Terang RSL sub branch, his involvement in fundraising projects such as the Noorat War Memorial and The Sisters hall commemoration, and for his time as branch president of the Battle of Lone Pine commemoration committee.
Mr Bloxham said he was humbled to receive the high honour but said the work to remember those who served was more important than individual accomplishment.
“I am incredibly honoured to accept this distinguished award, in acknowledgement of my contribution in the recognition of all veterans and their families,”he said.
“I extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Terang RSL sub-branch members and the community for their ongoing support and contribution over the years in keeping the ANZAC spirit alive.”
During his seven years with the Terang RSL, Mr Bloxham served as a memorabilia officer, hall curator, and host of military history tours and as sub-branch president.
He helped oversee significant upgrades to the Terang RSL hall on Shadforth Street, with works including the installation and refurbishment of the W871 tram, the planting of memorial gardens and fencing the grounds.
He also helped to revitalise dawn services for Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day and commemorations remembering Vietnam and the Charge of Beersheba.
Mr Bloxham was not the only local recipient of an OAM this year, with former Mortlake cattle breeder Andrew Sladen Gubbins posthumously awarded for his service to the beef and cattle industry.
Mr Gubbins served a lengthy career in the industry as principal of Te Mania Angus from 1971-2020.
He was credited as having run the first on-farm Angus progeny test program in 1995 and was a former chairman of the Victorian Angus Progeny Test Program.
He also served as councillor of the Angus Society of Australia for eight years and was a former chairman of the Technical Committee and World Forum Committee.
Mr Gubbins was the recipient of some of Australia’s most prestigious agricultural awards throughout his illustrious career, with his accolades including an induction to Angus Australia as a life member in 2013, winning the Howard Yelland Beef Industry Award in 2008 and being named Feedstock Producer of the year in 2000.
Mr Gubbins passed away on May 27, 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of Angus beef in Australia.
Governor-General David Hurley congratulated those recognised in the Australia Day Honours list.
“The individuals we celebrate come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable,” he said.
“They’re diverse and unique but there are some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication.
“Recipients have not put their hand up to be recognised.”
He said most recipients would consider the achievements they are being recognised for as being “ordinary or just what they do” which represents the “great strength of our system.”
“Recipients in the Order of Australia have been nominated by their peers, considered by an independent process and recognised by the nation,” he said.
“The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation’s greatest strength – its people.”
