Top honour for community stalwart

ONE of Samford’s finest has been acknowledged in the national Australia Day honours list for 2022.

Long term resident Bob Millar was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for his service to the community.

Mr Millar served in local government for 16 years - he was elected as Councillor in the former Pine Rivers Shire Council from 2008-16, and the amalgamated Moreton Bay Regional Council from 2008-2016.

He has also been actively involved with the Rotary Club of Samford, the Samford Rural Brigade and the Brendale and Samford Community Bank, as well as patron of several not-for-profit community and sporting groups.

A combined effort 

Mr Millar said while he was thrilled to receive the award, he also wanted to share it with others in his community.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised in this way. I never thought in my wildest dreams the time I spent helping my community would lead to an award of this stature,” he said.

“I look at this award and I think it is paired with lots of other people in the community who I have crossed paths with in my life, all of whom also want to make the community a better place.

“I don’t see it (the award) as a personal thing, but something that should be shared with others and something that acknowledges what volunteerism is all about.

“All volunteers do their volunteering because of the contributions they want to make to their community. I know I have gotten so much out of volunteering, probably more than what I have given these groups.”

Thankful for family

Mr Millar thanked his family for their sacrifices in allowing him to dedicate his time to helping others.

“One of the most important things in my journey has been the role of my family," he said. 

“My wife and children have been with me every step of the way and have made their own sacrifices to enable me to do the community work I am so passionate about.

“They share in this award as much as I do.”

Welcoming new residents 

Mr Millar spent Australia Day as the MC at the Samford Rotary Club’s Citizenship Ceremony, where they welcomed 30 new Australians.

A strong crowd of roughly 150 people were in attendance for the celebration, including Member for Dickson Peter Dutton. 

Top honours 

He will receive his OAM medal at a civil ceremony at Government House sometime in the next few months.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at gg.gov.au.