Dr Michael Joseph McDonald has long believed it's always a good thing to involve oneself in work outside paid work.
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But the Gerroa resident was nonetheless "humbled" to be honoured with an OAM for services to the Catholic Church, and to the community.
"The work I've been involved in has always been assisted by many people I've worked with, so [the award] also recognises the work they've participated in as well," Dr McDonald said.
"A lot of my focus has been around supporting and assisting girls education, which I believe is really important.
"I've also been conscious of the needs of others who haven't enjoyed some of the same privileges in life - it is good to make a contribution where you can to that work."
Dr McDonald, aged in his mid-60s, called on fellow Boomers to make a serious effort "to ensure we leave the world a better place".
"It is so important that people of our generation dedicate some of our time and resources towards ensuring future generations will have a world where the climate is going to be good for them. It is vital that young people have the opportunity to flourish and grow," he said.
Dr Michael Joseph McDonald's achievements:
- Sisters of the Good Samaritan
- Board Director and Chair of Directors, 4 Good Samaritan Colleges
- Business and Resources Manager, Sisters of the Good Samaritan, 2014-2018.
- Director, Sisters of the Good Samaritan Foundation, 2014-2018.
- Founding Chair, Wivenhoe Conservation Project, Camden, 2015-2018.
- Chair, The Inn (refuge for women and children), Melbourne, 2015-2018.
- Sisters of the Good Samaritan Education
- Chair, St Patrick's College, Campbelltown, 2013-2018.
- Chair, Stella Maris College, Manly, 2009-2014.
- Chair, St Mary's College, Wollongong, 2003-2008.
- Director and Deputy Chair, Board of Mater Dei Special School, Camden, 1987-2003.
- Director, Non-Government Schools Superannuation Fund, 1998-2008.
- Catholic Church Governance
- Member, Professional Standards Committee, Catholic Church NSW, 1998-2009.
- Executive Director, Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER), NSW, 1996-2008.
- Director of Industrial Relations, Catholic Education Wollongong, 1985-1996.
- Employee, NSW Catholic Industrial Relations, 1980-1986.
- St Vincent De Paul Society
- Vice-President, National Council, 1991-1994.
- President, Wollongong Regional Council, 1994-1996.
- President, Wollongong Diocesan Council, 1989-1994.
Community:
- Senior Official Visitor, Juvenile Justice NSW (now Youth Justice NSW), 2008-2013.
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