A Romsey man who has dedicated decades to the recognition of veterans has been honoured with an Order of Australia medal.
But Mike Garnett, who was also integral to the successful push for a fountain commemorating the centenary of Federation in 2001, maintains the award belongs to the many people who’ve helped him along the way.
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‘‘The Macedon Ranges is a great place to contribute to community affairs,’’ he said. ‘‘Each town has its own distinctive and historic identity.’’
Mr Garnett was also recognised for his service to tennis, having been a member of the Australian Davis Cup Federation since 1994, chief executive of the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club from 1994-99, and a founding committee member of Romsey Tennis Club in 1999.
He also represented Australia at over 50s, 60s and 70s team events from 1998-2015, and has authored a number of books.
But it’s his work commemorating the efforts of veterans that has given the former national serviceman and Air Force reservist the most joy.
Mr Garnett walked the Sandakan death march in Borneo in 2008, raising money for the local medical centre to buy defibrillators, and helped establish a rose garden at Romsey’s war memorial in 2004.
He’s also been a Kyneton RSL committee member since 2012 and helped raise funds for that town’s Light Horse memorial.
