By JOYCE MARSH (WOODENBONG CORRESPONDENT)
WOODENBONG is proud to present to you, our very own Eric Taylor, who has recently been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Eric Taylor OAM is a most deserving recipient after many years of community service, which included secretary and trustee of the Woodenbong Public Hall for more than 60 years, volunteer cinema projectionist at the Woodenbong Public Hall Picture Theatre since the 1950s and the selector of movies for the last 40 years.
Secretary, treasurer and elder of the Woodenbong-Urbenville Uniting Church since the 1970s, Mr Taylor has also been a dedicated supporter of the Woodenbong Golf Club for many years.
He is also a co-founder and secretary of the Woodenbong Veterans Golf Association since 1994 and has been a Justice of the Peace for more than 50 years.
Recently Mr Taylor travelled to Sydney accompanied by his three children, Peter, Keron and Robyn, to the investiture ceremony to receive the OAM at Government House.
The award was presented to a “humbled” Mr Taylor by the then Governor of NSW, Dame Marie Bashir.
“When the letter arrived stating that I had been nominated for this award I was greatly humbled, realising that some of my peers who had given as much of their time to the Woodenbong community as I have had put my name forward,” Mr Taylor said.
“This award is for the Woodenbong community, for without their support I would not have been able to achieve the tasks I am being honoured for.
“To be active in public life, certain people have to suffer personally, the major one in my instance is my best friend of 62 years and loving wife of 58 years, Shirley.
“Without her support, it would have been impossible for me to devote the time to the tasks I entered into. I am greatly honoured to bring this award to the Woodenbong community and I will continue to give of my time to make this a great place to live.”
