Local businessman David Williams has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community of Singleton.
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A life member of the Northern Agricultural Association (NAA) of which he joined in 1965 and was president twice, Mr Williams has also supported a long list of other local organisations since his arrival in Singleton in the late 1950s.
The long list includes Hebden Rural Fire Service (RFS), Singleton Chamber of Commerce, Singleton Rugby Club, Anglican Parish of Singleton, Rotary Club of Singleton as well as serving as a councillor on the Singleton Council in the mid-1980s.
“I am overwhelmed to receive this wonderful honour,” he told the Argus.
He said he felt extremely honoured when he received the letter saying he was nominated and would like to thank the person who nominated him and those people who supported the nomination.
“Working for the betterment of the community I live in was instilled in me at an early age and all the time I have spent doing community work has been extremely rewarding,” Mr Williams said.
He also wanted to thank his wife Wendy for her support and encouragement and all the people on the various committees he as worked on over the years for their assistance and goodwill.
“Every committee I have served on has consisted of other very dedicated members who have made my work enjoyable and rewarding,” he said.
Mr Williams who lives on the grazing property ‘Glendoon’ at Hebden came to Singleton to work as a jackaroo before he established his successful real estate business in John Street – David M Williams Real Estate in 1975.
He paid credit to his headmaster at The Armidale School (TAS), Gordon Fisher for inspiring in him the great desire to serve his community.
“In addition my father Cannon Williams, who was a rector at All Saints Anglican Church Singleton, also spoke of the importance of community leadership and he led by example,” he said.
Of all the organisations he has worked for it is perhaps the NAA that he remains most proud of saying the Singleton Showground is one of the best in the country.
Taking over the presidency of the NAA for the first time just before the December 1997 hailstorm that wrecked havoc on the grounds Mr William faced a very challenging time.
“The historic buildings were badly damaged and under insured. But through hard work and dedication, what we have now is a beautiful facility and something our community can be very proud of. “
Mr Williams has worked tirelessly to obtain government funding to repair and maintain the showground facility.
He hopes his award will inspire others to join him in working for the betterment of Singleton community.
On behalf of the Singleton Argus and the Singleton Community our best wishes and congratulations to Mr Williams on your well deserved honour.
Mr William's community involvement:
President, Northern Agricultural Association, 2007-2012, 1997-2002; Committee member, since 1965,Life Member, 2012.
Board member, Agricultural Societies Council of New South Wales, current; Zone 3 Group President, 2012-2014.
President, Rotary Club of Singleton, 1990-1991; Paul Harris Fellowship, 2006; Member, since 1977.
Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, since 2008.
Member, Anglican Parish of Singleton; Chairman, Historical Building Committee; Chairman, All Saints' Singleton
Columbarium Trust Fund; Church Warden, St Peters Hebden, 1965-1982; Parish representative, Newcastle Diocesan Synod, 1972-1978.
Vice-President, Singleton Rugby Club.
President, Singleton Country Tennis Club, 1985-1988, 1979-1981, Board member, since 1976.
Councillor, Singleton Council, 1983-1986; Rotary Representative, Australia Day Council, since 2006.
President, Witmore Enterprises (Disability support service), since 2011; Board Member, since 2006.
Foundation member, Singleton Branch, Hunter Medical Research Institute, since 2010.
Community member, Hunter Valley Interview Panel for Bachelor of Medicine, University of Newcastle,since 2012.
Member, Singleton and District Chamber of Commerce, since 1975.
Managing Director, David M Williams Real Estate, since 1975.
Member, Hebden Rural Fire Service, since 1961.