Shellharbour’s Alan Hardy has been recognised with an OAM for his service to aged welfare.
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A former primary and high school teacher in NSW between 1962 and 2000 Mr Hardy started as a volunteer with Warrigal in 1984 and went on to be treasurer between 1995 and 1998 and then chairperson from 1999 to 2016.
He and his wife Marian have been members of the St Paul’s Anglican Church congregation since 1966, he was a member of the Parish Council from 1967 to 1993 and a Rector’s Warden for nine years.
Mr Hardy was also been a local returning officer for Local and State Government elections for 25 years.
But it was his service at Warrigal that saw him receive a nomination and subsequently be awarded an OAM.
“When I first got involved with Warrigal I wasn’t in any service clubs or anything like that and I thought it was a way I could possibly do something for the community,” he said.
“Aged care was pretty thin in the ground back in 1984 in this area. I became more involved with it over the years and was actually able to contribute something to make it a better life for the aged in their communities.
“A family friend invited me onto the board at Warrigal in 1984 and I was on the board until I retired last year. So it was 34 years”.
Mr Hardy said Warrigal has grown considerably since he 1984.
“My word it has,” he said.
“I am very proud of the way the organisation is today. I have contributed to it a little bit but there have been a lot of other people too. It is getting bigger and better all the time”.
The latest example of that is the newest aged care facility at Shell Cove.
“It is a wonderful facility out there and great for the community,” he said.
Mr Hardy said he felt very humble about the recognition but was pleased it focuses a spotlight on Warrigal and great work so many do in the organisation.
“This is an honour I never ever expected to receive. I am grateful but I don’t think I have done anything extraordinary and deserve that sort of recognition. I am very proud I have been recognised but feel very humble about it too”.
Many Illawarra residents may remember him as a teacher at schools such as Smiths Hill, Oak Flats and Warilla high schools.
“I was head teacher at Smiths Hill and Oak Flats,” he said.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
