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GOORNONG'S Maurice Sharkey has been honoured for his service to the community and local government.
The 70-year-old, who grew up in Bagshot, is the recipient of an Order of Australia Medal.
Mr Sharkey said he'd always had a desire to give back to the community, even from a young age.
"I grew up in a small community," he said.
"The way I was brought up, you rolled up your sleeves and got involved.
"If you didn't get involved then it didn't happen. I was taught you get back what you put in.
"I feel very fortunate to live in a community like Bendigo, and not only to live in this region but a great country like Australia. I have never taken it for granted."
Mr Sharkey's list of achievements is lengthy.
One of his biggest was his involvement in the amalgamation of the City of Greater Bendigo from 1994.
At the time, Mr Sharkey was the Huntly Shire Mayor. During the amalgamation he acted as commissioner for the new municipality and later served as Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo for a number of years.
He said it was an interesting time but one from which the Bendigo community had greatly benefited.
"I think the outcome of the amalgamation is evidence that it was the right decision," Mr Sharkey said.
"We have a wonderful city, with terrific people and terrific opportunities."
A farmer, Mr Sharkey was also a member of the Livestock Saleyards of Victoria and the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society.
He also set up a rural advisory committee, was involved in various fire brigades and was instrumental in the duplication of the Calder Freeway.
Mr Sharkey is currently chairman of the Radius Disability Service board.
He lives with wife Carol and has four children and eight grandchildren, which he said keeps him busy.
"They have been very supportive over the journey, you can't do these things on your own - they helped me a lot," he said.
Former federal member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said Mr Sharkey's award was 'well deserved'.
"He's been a stalwart of community service in central Victoria for a long, long time," Mr Gibbons said.
Mr Gibbons remembers Mr Sharkey as his Liberal opponent a previous federal election.
"He was a thorough going gentlemen," Mr Gibbons said.
"When I saw (the article about Mr Sharkey's award) on (the Bendigo Advertiser's) front page, I couldn’t think of a better person."