Mick Berghuis considers himself to be a lucky man.
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The Woonona musician is being recognised with an OAM for service to the community through music.
While happy with the award, the 80-year-old is just thankful he has been able to follow his dreams.
"[The OAM] took me by surprise. I'm just doing what I enjoy doing, working with good musicians and nice people. We all share the same interest in music. I think I've just been lucky," Mr Berghuis said.
Swingaleles president since 2013, Mr Berghuis and his fellow club members have been on a mission to show the ukulele in its best light. They have been doing this by playing some sweet sounds on the four-stringed Hawaiian instruments at the Illawarra Ukulele Springstrum, held annually at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.
Mr Berghuis is also a life member of the Illawarra Jazz Club.
He has also provided music tuition to students at Balgownie and Keiraville public schools and Para Meadows Special School, as well as at Bulli, Woonona and Keira high schools.
"Music has been a real passion. I've been playing since I was 13," Mr Berghuis said.
"I have two children and a beautiful wife who has supported me greatly.
"Without her backing I wouldn't be able to do what I've done.
"It has always been a pleasure whatever I did. I was lucky I never had to do anything I didn't enjoy I suppose."
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
