LOCAL identity and long-time City of Greater Bendigo councillor Rod Fyffe said he was “stunned” to be awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
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The three-time Bendigo mayor was awarded the medal for his service to local government and to the community.
Cr Fyffe said the honour was still sinking in.
“It is something you never ever expect,” he said.
“It’s incredibly humbling to think people think you’re good enough to receive recognition.
“It’s also humbling because you know a lot of other people who have achieved and accomplished amazing things have received these awards.”
Cr Fyffe has been a local councillor since 1983 and has undertaken varoius roles at the Municipal Association of Victoria since 1985.
He has volunteered his time for countless local organisations, including the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club, the Australian Conservation Volunteers Bendigo branch and the Bendigo Art Gallery Foundation.
Cr Fyffe said his volunteer and council work was a way of giving back to the Bendigo community and ensuring its prosperity.
“I’ve done a lot of things with a lot of organisations in the community,” he said.
“It’s something I’m interested in and passionate about.
“I think our community is as good as the people that make it up and the effort people put in.
“Bendigo is really lucky that there are thousands of people willing to put in and do their bit.”
Cr Fyffe said he was accepting his award as “recognition for a team effort”.
“You can’t do these things on your own,” he said.
“This is for all of those people that do selfless things in the community, the volunteers, fellow councillors and officers.”
Cr Fyffe also thanked his wife Victoria and his family for their support.
“My wife and family have allowed and encouraged me to do what I want to do.
“Without their support it would be difficult to do this.”
