Howlong residents Sheryl Pitman and Keith Duggan have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of their service to the local community.
The news came as quite a shock to Mrs Pitman.
“I had to sit down!” she told the Free Press.
“My heart was bursting. I couldn’t believe it. Eventually I had the family come over and announced the news to them. My mum was thrilled. Everyone was jumping up and down with excitement.”
Mr Duggan on the other hand thought it was a stitch up.
“You’re joking, who’s done this to me!” was his response.
Mrs Pitman moved to Howlong in November 1973. By February of 1974 she was already volunteering her time with the 1st Howlong Scout Group as a Cub Leader.
Her service to the community of Howlong includes former president of Wewak Street School, former president of the Pre-School Committee, former president of the Howlong Public School Parents and Citizens Committee, a member, Howlong Swimming Pool Committee a member of the Howlong Grapevine Newspaper Committee and a volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal for over 30 years.
Mrs Pitman said she made the decision to give back to the community after receiving an anonymous cash donation following her husband’s accident almost 50 years ago.
“I still don’t know where the money came from to this day,” she said.
“That’s Howlong for you. Such a generous and giving community.”
Mr Duggan’s OAM recognised his service to the community in a range of roles. The 85-year-old relocated to Howlong from Melbourne in 1988 and immediately immersed himself into the community.
He served as the editor for the Howlong Grapevine newsletter for 10 years and an advertising committee member for 30 years. Mr Pitman is also a former Social Co-ordinator for the Howlong Golf Club, former volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels a former School Council member for Howlong Primary, a founding member of the Howlong Probus, a founding member for the Corowa Council Consultative Committee and a foundation member of the Fawkner Rotary Club.
Mr Duggan also created Howlong’s website www.visithowlong.com.au, and was heavily involved in the sporting world including Howlong Football Club, Moomba Park Football Club, Fawkner Little Athletics.
He was recognised as Citizen of the Year for Corowa Council in 2005 and carried the Sydney Olympic Torch through Howlong in 2000.
“I often say ‘I’ve done everything man!’ in reference to the famous Johnny Cash song,” Mr Duggan said.
“I love this town and I enjoy what I do. I wouldn’t know my life without volunteering. It what makes you feel part of the community.”
Mrs Pitman said moving to Howlong was one of the best decisions she ever made.
“It’s a marvellous community. Everyone says hello to you on the street and the generosity of people is outstanding,” she said.
“Whether you’re selling raffle tickets or there’s a big cancer fundraiser, there’s always an outpouring of support from the community.
“How fortunate we are to live in this beautiful town.”