MALMSBURY resident David Kram was thrilled to hear he would receive an AM, after dedicating three-quarters of his working life to music in Australia.
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Born in London, the conductor first came to Australia after eight years working as a conductor in Europe. He has since worked as a musical director, conductor and academic, in several states and internationally.
Dr Kram volunteers for a number of organisations, including the Macedon Ranges Rotary Club, the Freemasons and kehillat s'dot zahav, the central goldfields progressive Jewish community.
He said he was proud to receive the AM honour, which reflected his work within the community at a broader level.
Dr Kram said he finds the arts incredibly invigorating.
"You're always learning, always researching and practising, you're always working with interesting people, and you're always involved with a huge range of topics," he said.
"I've always believed that the arts play a very important role in the community.
"I believe that, as in religion, we can reach our full potential as human beings, if we engage with the arts."
Dr Kram joins several central Victorians receiving Queen's Birthday honours.
Among these were Christopher David Stoltz of Bendigo and Ronald Maynard Alexander of Mount Macedon.
Julie Millowick of Fryerstown was also recognised, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia for for services to the arts, particularly photography.
Ms Millowick is an Honorary Associate of the La Trobe Art Institute. She has chaired a number of boards.
She has hosted more than 30 solo exhibitions.
Nagambie resident Walter Neville Howell received an OAM for service to rowing. Mr Howell is a past president of the Bendigo Rowing Club, and a former member of the Rotary Club of Bendigo South, and the Bendigo and Strathdale branches of the Sportsmen's Association of Australia.
Lena Vicary received a medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Echuca.
Noel Geoffrey Lake of Gannawarra received an OAM for service to veterans and their families.
Julien William O'Connell of Gisbourne was made an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to community health in the aged care sector, through executive roles, and to higher education.
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