DOREEN Greenham has long celebrated what makes Australia a land of golden soil, often doing so with joyful strains.
And so it was only fair the favour was returned on Saturday when the Balranald resident and Sing Australia co-ordinator received one of the nation’s highest honours — a Medal of the Order of Australia.
But despite her previous citizen of the year award, Papal blessing and award for excellence in teaching, Doreen said this latest honour had taken her “a bit by surprise”.
“I got a letter in December to say I would be receiving the award, but I couldn’t tell anyone,” she said.
“It is hard to keep that sort of secret.”
A Balranald resident since 1955, Doreen’s list of accomplishments in the Balranald community are as numerous as they are impressive.
Arriving in the region at the ripe old age of 18, Ms Greenham took on a teaching position at Balranald Central School.
Although she spent 35 years as a teacher, Doreen said she still hasn’t lost the desire to educate.
“I loved teaching — I still really miss the kids,” she said.
Alongside her teaching career was 18 years on the Balranald District Health board, and she made history by becoming the very first female councillor in the Balranald Shire.
Doreen was also on the founding committees for the Balranald Home Help program, Meals on Wheels service and Hospital Auxillary.
Music has played a significant part in Doreen’s life, ever since the moment when she first sat at a piano, at the age of seven.
“I always wanted to play music,” she said.
“I still play in a band, and I tell my kids I’m not going to play anymore and they say, ‘but Mum, we need you’.
“That’s all I need, a little encouragement.”
Co-ordinator of the Balranald Sing Australia and organist at St Dympna’s Catholic Church, and other churches when required, Doreen said she often just finds herself singing at home.
Family also plays a central role in Doreen’s life.
Along with partner Larry — who passed away in 2004 — she parented eight children who gave her 17 grand-children and four great-grandchildren.
Doreen said if she had one message to impart, it was to always lend a hand.
“If you’ve got a talent use it and just get involved and make the community a better place,” she said.
“Because I enjoy doing the things I do — it’s not hard work.”
