The late Norman Hutton has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community through charitable organisations.
Mr Hutton was married to his wife Jodi for 28 years. The couple were together for a total of 38 years since after meeting through St John Ambulance.
Mrs Hutton said she was emotional when she was told about Norm’s postumous award.
“To be honest, I broke down… it’s just a beautiful acknowledgement of his commitment to the community.”
Mr Hutton lived in Craigieburn and was dedicated to supporting children, families and emergency services across Victoria.
“We were proud of him before this award, but… we’re deeply honoured to accept it on his behalf.”
Mrs Hutton said the recognition did not come as a complete surprise.
“He deserves to be nominated and he deserves this award.”
She said children’s charities were at the heart of her husband’s work.
“He worked with Variety, the Children’s Charity of Victoria and then his last job was with Heart Kids.
“He’s been gone for just over 12 months, and I still get messages from people… he formed lots of really lovely relationships with Heart Kids families.”
Mrs Hutton said her husband would have viewed the award as a collective achievement rather than a personal honour.
“He always said you’re only as good as the team you work with.”
Mrs Hutton said she was most proud of her husband’s contribution to the Victorian Emergency Services Memorial in the Treasury Gardens.
“He was very happy with how it turned out, and we’ve had all the kids and grandkids there since he passed.
“It’s a really nice place for us to go.”
She said Mr Hutton had the idea for the memorial after seeing the efforts of servicepeople during the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
“I really saw him break… he just thought that they deserved something.”
Mrs Hutton said her husband left a great legacy.
“He just embodied the spirit of everything he did.”
Mrs Hutton plans to honour her husband and his achievement by inviting their children and grandchildren for dinner to share the news.
“I’m proud beyond words.”
