By Oliver Lees
A Gisborne man has been recognised for more than four decades of service to the superannuation sector in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Joseph Vincent Farrugia was awarded a Medal of the Order Australia on Monday.
Mr Farrugia said it was “very humbling” to be recognised.
“It feels excellent, it’s a good feeling because you’re getting an award for a contribution to the industry,” Mr Farrugia said.
“I’ve always loved it, [the industry] I see a lot of purpose in it and I’ve never been bored or considered a change.
“You learn a lot and meet some really important people.”
The annual awards recognise individuals who have made “outstanding and inspirational” contributions to Australia.
Mr Farrugia started his career at AMP in 1971 and spent 49 years working in the sector before his retirement in 2019.
He moved to South Gisborne with his wife in 1982, where they raised their four children.
Despite only working for two employers across his career, Mr Farrugia was an involved volunteer.
He was the founding director of the Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL).
He stayed in the position of director until his retirement, when he was honoured with a life membership.
“You’ve gotta give back, that was my way of giving back to the industry,” he said.
“The most important thing is the people you work with. There are some really important people who have helped me along the way.”
