Top order

FORMER Kiama Deputy Mayor and Kiama Primary School Principal Les Davey has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through a range of heritage, environmental and service organisations.

Mr Davey who is a former chairman of both the Tidy Towns and dry stone wall committees said he was surprised, humbled ad delighted by the award, saying he could not think of a greater honour.

It was such a surprise when I received the letter saying I was nominated, so you can imagine how I felt when they told me I was going to get it, he laughed

Anything I have done to preserve our heritage, create environmental awareness or to enhance the beautiful place we live in has been an absolute pleasure.

I feel very humble when I think of all the dedicated people who are more deserving to be recognised.

In saying that I am a very proud recipient.

Mr Davey said he felt richly rewarded when in 1980, after 29 years of moving around the state, he received the posting of principal at Kiama Primary School, describing it as a dream come true.

It was amazing coming to Kiama, it was and still is such a beautiful town, he said.

To be able to look out the window of my office and see the sea was an amazing experience.

I see the school as the centre of small towns and to be able to play a central role in being the principal was something that I enjoyed thoroughly. It is a period I look upon with great memories

Upon Mr Daveys retirement from teaching in 1990 he took up posts as chairman of both the Tidy Towns and dry stone walls committees while also becoming heavily involved in the local Rotary club.

The Tidy Towns concept was something that was very dear to my heart, he said.

The care of the environment was something that I was very vocal about while I was at school and this was probably a natural extension of that.

Tidy Towns was around before the Clean Up Australia campaign took off and it was a great concept to be part of.

The icing on the cake was taking out the state and national Keep Australia Beautiful awards in 1995.

Working on that and the Street of the Month awards was something I really enjoyed.

Being chairman of the dry stone wall committee was a really enjoyable experience.

Working on a heritage icon with such an enthusiastic and hardworking bunch of people was great. I still love to drive past them now.

Mr Daveys said his nine years on Kiama Council including four years as Deputy Mayor was a great experience saying he has always been impressed with the efficiency of local government.

It was both challenging and enjoyable to be part of council, he said. Right from the grass roots of the garden staff to the engine room of the indoor staff Kiama Council leads the way with excellent recycling systems and great roads. Kiama did and still does lead the way in a lot of local government issues.

Mr Davey said he is enjoying retirement, saying the extra time to travel and catch up on sport is quite handy.

I have always loved sport, I see it as an integral part of every childs education.

Growing up I played representative football, tennis and cricket while these days I play bowls and watching sport on TV, he said.

I also love going on trains, pottering around in the garden, while I have also been endeavouring to complete a family history of my fathers family.