Craigieburn resident Kevin O’Callaghan has been awarded the the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the Craigieburn community.
Mr O’Callaghan said he was shocked to hear he was receiving an OAM, since he already had an Emergency Services Medal (ESM).
“That was only 23 years ago… I thought that was it… the OAM was really out of left field.”
He said keeping the award a secret has been very difficult, but that his friends and four daughters might see it coming.
“One of my friends, he’s always at me every year saying, ‘oh, you’ve got to be in this year’.”
Mr O’Callaghan has spent decades in community service, from the Australian Defence Force, to volunteering with SES and the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee (CWMRC).He said he is particularly proud of his 42 years in the ADF.
“My dad was a World War II veteran and my maternal grandfather was a World War I veteran.
“So I’m very proud that we got the [Craigieburn War Memorial] built and that we’ve been doing a lot of work for veterans.
“But equally, I’m super proud that we formed and built a very professional volunteer rescue service with the SES.”
Mr O’Callaghan said his OAM reflects the work of a much wider group.
“I’ve had a core group of about 20, 30 people in the CWMRC… everyone just shines.”
Mr O’Callaghan said he has always been motivated to respond to community needs, inspired by his father.
“Dad was in a generation where if things needed to be done in the local area… [everyone] used to get together and sort it out.
“If there’s a problem, then the best way to do it is form a plan and tackle it.”
He said his wife Anne and his daughters have also been central to his work.
“I couldn’t have done it without Anne’s support … it would just be impossible.”
Mr O’Callaghan moved to Craigieburn with his wife 48 years ago, when it was just a small town.
“It’s been amazing to see how Craigieburn’s just exploded.”
Mr O’Callaghan said he remains focused on future projects, including Anzac Day and ongoing work at the war memorial.
“In my mind, I’m not in retirement … I still get up each day, I still do work.”
