By Callum Ludwig
Four local residents have been recognised with an Order of Australia (OAM) for the first King’s Birthday since 1951.
Croydon residents Melinda Spencer and Donald Mackay, Moorolbark resident Dr Keith Skilbeck and Mt Evelyn resident Paula Herlihy were all recognised for their individual efforts.
Ms Spencer said she was very overwhelmed and grateful to be a recipient.
“It comes as a complete surprise but I feel really proud that I’ve received this and I’m proud of the work I’ve done in the space, but I also hope that it shows more people not to give up,” she said.
“When you see carers that come in and are really anxious at the start, then you watch them grow, starting to become their own advocates and telling other carers to access supports and services, this is what it’s all about.”
Ms Spencer was influential in starting up both the Pathways for Carers program alongside Jack Mulholland, which is now funded by the state government to be delivered by Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria as well as co-founding Different Journeys, a peer support and event program to support children with autism.
Fellow Croydon resident Mr Mackay was recognised for his service to the arts sector and said he had worked in the arts all his life.
“I’ve been a theatre director producing live plays for 20 years and combined that with being the executive director of the Victorian Arts Council at the same time. In recent years I’ve been doing some shows which recreate radio plays and one of the actors put me up for this award,” he said.
“That’s one of the delights of the job, working with actors who you respect and like, they say that for directing a play the two key things are the script and the performers, if you get those two things right, you’re well on the way to a great show.”
Mooroolbark resident Dr Keith Skilbeck works at the Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre in Croydon and has tended to local patients for over 40 years.
Dr Skilbeck said the 40 years have gone so quickly.
“I’ve seen people from early parts of their life through till their death and all that goes in between the highs and lows, being involved in treating very sick people, seeing them recover and sometimes not seeing them recover and helping their families adjust, it’s all part of it,” he said.
“People don’t do medicine unless they care about others, it’s been quite rewarding and challenging at different times, but rewarding sometimes in its tough times as well.”
Dr Skilbeck mentors medical students who complete their placement at Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre, ensuring his skills are being passed on to the next generation of medical professionals.
Mt Evelyn resident Paula Herlihy is involved in as many local groups as you can name, from the Mt Evelyn Township group to the Historical Group to the Friends of Wanderslore and said she has sometimes felt she had still never done enough voluntary work.
“I didn’t think I’d done enough but I am really pleased that what I have done has been appreciated, and I think it’s derived from being an educator and realising how important it is,” she said.
“I like the idea that sometimes you’re a helper and sometimes you’re a recipient, sometimes you might help somebody with something, but then on another day they’ll turn around and help you and you can thank them for helping you.”
Ms Herlihy may feel as though she hasn’t done enough, but she has been:
A founding member of the Mt Evelyn Township Group, former treasurer of the Mt Evelyn Primary School council, former President of the Monbulk High School council, Melbourne University council member, co-started the Morrison Community House, member of Friends of Water Race and Quinn Reserve, member of Friends of Wanderslore Reserve, President of the Mt Evelyn History Group, a founding member of the Angels Heritage Network and current secretary of the Association of Eastern Historical Societies.
