Foundation Sydney Committee Volunteer decorated on Australia Day 2012
BURRAWANG resident Murray Walker was welcomed as a Member of the Order of Australia at yesterday's Australia Day ceremony in Berrima.
Mr Walker was recognised for his service to the community through a range of executive roles with conservation, health, educational and sporting organisations, and to advertising.
"I'm absolutely honoured to receive the award and I certainly didn't expect it, though I suppose one doesn't," Mr Walker said.
"I've been very fortunate to be involved in so many interesting voluntary roles."
Mr Walker was a Committee member of the International Association for Voluntary Effort from 1986-2000 and a volunteer consultant to Volunteer Centre NSW.
He was vice patron of Meniere's Research Fund from 2003-2006 and a Director of Odyssey House McGrath Foundation from 1988-1992.
He has also been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mature Australia, Australian Club, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Winifred West Education Foundation.
Mr Walker was president of the Royal Sydney Golf Club from 1994-1999 and a Rear Commodore at the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.
He was a director of Zoological Parks Board of NSW. He was involved in the voluntary Sydney Committee of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
He has also worked at the helm of a number of advertising companies during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, becoming a Fellow of Advertising Institute of Australia.
"It would seem to me that this award acknowledges the vital role played by volunteers in almost every walk of life. Where would our society be without them?" he asked.
Mr Walker is a Governor of Oxley College, Burradoo.
