Dedication to the community

DAVID Wright’s volunteering resume is vast and longer than can be touched on in one article.

But since moving to the area as Strathfieldsaye Shire secretary in 1977, he’s left a lasting mark on the Bendigo community.

It’s this impact that has led to his Order of Australian Medal award on 26 January.

“Like all awardees I am humbled as a receipt of the award,” he said.

“It’s not just me being honoured but all the people who have worked with me in teams, hopefully improving society over the years, by introducing new services and improving existing services.”

Mr Wright has been involved with several local groups and charities across the years.

He was treasurer of the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre and part of the Uniting Church as choirmaster and organist.

Amongst the long list of achievements, Mr Wright said his time at the Bendigo Trust and the volunteer centre were highlights.

When Mr Wright joined the Trust things were looking grim, but he helped turn it around.

“They swayed in and out of almost bankruptcy to being made solvent all the time,” he said. “I’m proud that when I was there that we won tourism awards and all that sort of thing.”

Mr Wrights contribution to the Bendigo art community is another source of pride, he has been a part of a large number of local productions over the years.

He was also part of the group that purchased the Capital Theatre in 1991, and was then heavily involved in making sure the theatre was a success.

“We formed a committee to sell the seats at those times to help raise revenue,” he said.

“And once we got up and running, I was made chairman of that committee. It has now been completely taken over the by the council.”

While the latest award for Mr Wright coming this Australia Day is well deserved, but it won’t be the first or likely even the last time his hard work will be recognised.

Mr Wright has been honoured with life memberships at the Bendigo Trust, Bendigo Easter Fair Society, Capital Theatre and Eaglehawk Community House.