Wollongong's Joe Davidson has spent much of his life in the service of others, or of organisations - from the sporting field to the military field.
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When he receives his Medal of the Order of Australia on Monday it will be after a long career - still in progress - doing the kind of jobs that make a community what it is.
Gaze along the list and we realise what we'd be missing without someone like this.
He's been secretary of the Wollongong sub-branch of the RSL since 2008, and served as the administrator of the Port Kembla RSL sub-branch from 2013-18.
He was a trainer/strapper for Collegians and Wests rugby league clubs over 24 years, awarded the cherished "best clubman" three times.
And of course he was the former head trainer for the Illawarra Steelers/Dragons, and strapper, between 1990 and 2007.
Justice of the Peace, first aid officer, one-time national serviceman, RSL welfare officer.
Mr Davidson said he was humbled by the recognition - and was just keen for his grandkids to understand what he's done and why.
"It's not what you do it for, to be recognised," he said.
"My wife's really involved with the Illawarra Cancer Carers - we're really community conscious.
"But we do it because we want to. It's not a burden - time consuming, but not a burden."
Ben Langford
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
Senior journalist writing on the environment. Opinion columnist, independent. We rely on your news tips so please, don't be shy to let us know what's going on.
