On Monday, one of this region’s finest community workers was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours when he received an Order of Australia Medal.

Brian Dunn has been a tireless worker in Harden Murrumburrah and this award is recognition of his contribution.

The Queen’s Birthday and Australia Day honours are an opportunity for the wider community to celebrate those who make our communities so special.

While some past governments have attempted to downplay their significance, they remain as the one true opportunity for our nation to celebrate what is so great about our country.

As in past years, many celebrities and sporting greats are also recognised, but importantly, these honours also focus on those who perform community service not for their own personal gain or recognition, but because they want to make a difference.

Brian Dunn can certainly be counted in that number.

In 2012 he received the National Volunteer Award for his work with the hospital advisory council, the retirement village, Legacy, Can Assist and the arts council – just to name a few of the many organisations that have been made so much richer by his involvement.

Congratulations Brian on this well deserved honour.