Harden Mayor John Horton with Local Legend Brian Dunn OAM. Brian has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). The OAM has been awarded for his services to the community in Harden. But Brian was quick to shift any praise he received. “It wouldn’t have been possible without Judy,” said Brian. “She’s been my backstop. She’s always there.” “There has hardly been a day without him doing something for the community,” said Judy, Brian’s wife. “I am very proud of him.” Both Judy and Brian have had a significant involvement in the community. They both shared an Australia Day Award in 1998, with Brian receiving a Premier’s award for Outstanding Volunteer in 2001 – Judy received the same award two years later.
The Order of Australia was established in 1975 to recognise the achievements or for the meritorious service of Australians. “Brian has done so much for this community. There is no one more deserving than Brian Dunn, partnered by Judy,” said Harden Shire Mayor John Horton. The list of organisations Brian has volunteered for and the positions he has held is staggering to say the least. Brian was a founding member of the State Emergency Service in 1969. He has been Chairman of the original Meals on Wheels for 20 years and a volunteer driver for 25. He has been Permit Officer for the Demondrille Brigade of the Rural Fire Service for 25 years and Treasurer of the Harden Murrumburrah Arts Council since its formation in 1992.
His most significant contributions have been to healthcare and aged care in the town. Brian held the position of Chairman of the Local Hospital Advisory Committee, as well as being a founding member of the Masonic Retirement Village and subsequently the Southern Cross Care Retirement Village. In addition, he has fundraised for the Nursing Home, and been a community visitor and entertainer there for 15 years. He has also been a Patron and fundraiser for Cancer patients, and is also a Justice of the Peace. Brian is also on the board for the Australian National University Clinical School which brings medical students to the district each August. He also campaigned hard to set up the Blood Bank and establishment of the Mobile Breast Screening Van. Brian’s community involvement also encompasses the local Legacy group which assists war widows.
He often works the barbeque for the Australia Day Awards and helped start the local Men’s Shed in 2007. In addition, he has been involved in the Kite Festival, the local Freemasonry, Harden Hunting Club and is a life member of the Murrumburrah Harden Show Society. Brian and Peter Blundell co-authored “The Boys In Green, 1897 -1997” and formed the committee for the Light Horse Memorial. In 2007, Brian founded Dunn’s Light Horse and Military Museum, with tremendous assistance and support from Judy. He has an avid interest in military history, and has been collecting artefacts since 1998. The museum hosts visitors from all over the country and overseas. Brian is a founding member of the local Light Horse Troop. Congratulations to both Brian and Judy.
