MOULAMEIN resident Alan Fielding has done and seen a lot – but perhaps nothing prepared him for ConFest.
The clothing optional festival is promoted as an alternative bush campout, held every Easter near the Riverine town.
Mr Fielding and his wife, Sue, contribute by running the barbecue at ConFest as a fundraiser for various organisations in town.
He said most were friendly, bar one.
“I had one bloke that reckons that I was a psycho for bringing beef sausages into a vegan and vegetarian domain,” Mr Fielding said with a laugh.
“The first one was a bit of a shocker, but after an hour, you don’t take any notice of it all, you’re busy working.
“But we went out there with 1000 beef sausages and sold beef sausages to the vegans, the vegetarians and the carnivores.”
Mr Fielding said the first year they raised $2500 and “every dollar helps in communities like this”.
His tireless efforts in a myriad of community organisations have been recognised with the awarding of Murray River Council’s Citizen of the Year.
Mr Fielding was announced as the recipient prior to Australia Day, with the award presented by Mayor John Harvie on the national day.
He moved to Moualemin seven years ago from Sydney.
One of the first organisations Mr Fielding joined was the local fire brigade and road crash rescue unit.
Through his dedication, he trained and qualified for both units and now serves as Moulamein RFS president.
Mr Fielding is a member of Moulamein Men’s Shed, where he helps organise the battery collection program to fund stocking rivers with fish fingerlings.
The Men’s Shed also create red gum furniture and undertake countless community projects that benefit the town and district.
As a board member of Moulamein Bowling Club, Mr Fielding not only provides governance but also steps in as a driver for the courtesy bus whenever needed.
He also works for Home Support, driving buses to ensure residents can attend medical appointments outside of the district.
In his “spare time”, Mr Fielding channels his creativity into crafting wooden toys.
Like a modern-day Geppetto, he makes handcrafted toys labelled No Battery Required.
Every cent of the proceeds is donated to the Moulamein Public School P&C and the Breakfast Club.
“Alan’s selflessness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to Moulamein exemplify the very essence of community spirit. He has made a lasting impact on so many lives and truly embodies what it means to give back,” his award citation read.
Mr Fielding said he was proud and surprised by the award.
“I got the nomination later, but I think a bigger shock was when I got the letter saying I won,” he told The Guardian.
“It means that things that I’ve been doing in the community are being looked on as as good and achieving something.
“I’m helping people, especially in the home support area, in the fire brigade and the men’s shed.
“Things that we’re doing as groups or in teams is working and benefiting the community.”
Mr Fielding said it “appeared” he was a role model to fellow Moulamein residents.
“I still believe there’s probably hundreds of people in the shire probably more deserving than me, but just don’t get noticed,” he said.
“There’s a lot of good people in this council area.”
Asked what made Moulamein a standout, Mr Fielding said it was its people.
“I got invited to join the fire brigade, I went along and had a hell of a night the first night there,” he said.
“I joined up, so did Sue – she’s the secretary/treasurer.
“We’ve been through fires and the 2022 floods.
“I spent probably every day from August to December that year in the fire shed and met just about everyone in the area.
“Helped co-ordinate, getting people in and out by helicopter and getting sandbags to people’s farms.
“Had an endless supply cakes and scones and sausage rolls just pouring in the front doors. It was tremendous to see that sort of community spirit in a small town like this.
“You don’t see that in the city.”
Mr Fielding said it was good to give something back.
“I’ve worked all my life in Sydney, and when I came here to put my feet up, well, it didn’t quite happen, but one day it might,” he said.
