In his typical laconic style, Kevin Muffet admitted it was all "a bit of a shock to the system."
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That was his first response after being named Goulburn Mulwaree's Citizen of the Year at Australia Day celebrations at Seiffert Oval yesterday.
The 88-year-old Windellama SES deputy unit controller has dedicated almost 20 years to the organisation and the Community First Responders. The latter respond to accidents and medical emergencies in their area and Mr Muffet is the main contact. Age is no barrier and he remains on call for both organisations 24 hours a day.
"I might have got this award but without the people behind me I wouldn't be any good," he told The Post.
"I've seen some serious and very funny things over the years but you learn to live with it and that's where you need a good partner to listen."
Mr Muffet joined the SES in 2004 after being a RFS volunteer. He described it as the best move he ever made and said many people didn't realise the dynamism of the SES; one could learn as much as they wanted.
He moved to Windellama in 1980 after buying a property there in 1966 and has become a valued member of the community. As for what keeps him going, he said: "The will to serve the community. It's not easy at 2am some mornings but between October, 2019 and October, 2020, the CFR responded to 69 incidents so that tells you how important it is."
Mr Muffet beat off a strong line-up of nominees for the award. Local historian and author Jennifer Lamb was nominated for her work on the Goulburn 2020 commemorations, with the Goulburn and District Historical and Genealogical Society and as an arts advocate.
Police sergeant Bianca Williams was recognised for her devotion to charities and as a highly regarded member of the Force.
CEO and artistic director of the Hume Conservatorium, Paul Scott Williams, was nominated for raising Goulburn's and the Con's profile, his support of White Ribbon Day and for conducting the community choir.
Meantime, Charlotte Hargan was named Youth Citizen of the Year for her advocacy of youth leadership, empowerment and mental health.
The Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council Mayor has represented the area at national events and heavily volunteered her time in the community.
Miss Hargan could not attend the ceremony as she has just embarked on a three-year degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Her brother, Will, also a Youth Council member, accepted on her behalf.
Their mother, Lynda, said she was proud of all three of her children.
"All we've ever asked is for them to be able to look us in the eyes and tell us they've achieved their best," she said.
Blake Robertson and Eleanor Stevens were also nominated for their volunteer and charitable work.
Mighty Playwrights claimed Event of the Year, beating off Big Macs for Raunjaks, a fundraising event for the Raunjack family, Goulburn's Radio Relay Your Way and The Man Walk.
Mighty Playwrights involved the mentorship of 11 young playwrights aged 10 to 12 to bring their plays to the stage. Project partner and curriculum coordinator at Ss Peter and Paul's Primary School, Greg Angus thanked all those involved.
"(It) was based on the idea that we can never underestimate the power of a story that is well-told. The project is proud of it's first successful year in which young writers began their journey of finding their stories and voices as writers," he said.
"This was a community effort fueled by generosity."
The celebrations were a typically hot affair but were tempered by a strong wind that kept organisers on the hop. Dean of Saint Saviour's Cathedral, The Very Reverend Phillip Saunders, who was due to say the prayer, suffered heat stroke and Michael Prevedello stepped in at short notice.
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The day kicked off with a barbecue breakfast at Seiffert Oval, vintage and veteran car displays, market and food stalls, live music and other entertainment. The Goulburn Aquatic Centre had free entry and later, a kayak race on the Wollondilly River was scheduled.
Master of ceremonies, Graeme Northey welcomed official guests including Ambassador Glenn Turner, Mayor Bob Kirk, Hume MP Angus Taylor, Goulburn man and One Nation MLC Rod Roberts.
Mr Turner, a local, represented Australia in hockey over 10 years. He played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups where the Kookaburras won gold. Turner also played in the Indian Hockey League from 2012 to 2016 and retired from international hockey in 2019.
In a Q&A session with Mr Northey he said international travel had made him realise how lucky he was to live in Australia.
He passed on good advice to aspiring youngsters.
"If you put the work in, consistently create good habits around it...good things will happen," he said.
Mayor Bob Kirk thanked emergency services personnel for their commitment to the Goulburn community.
"Today is the day for us to reflect on our history, respect, privileges and freedom we enjoy and celebrate all that we have and will achieve. Reflect, respect and celebrate are all part of the story, that is the official message this year," he said.
Speaking to 25 new citizens from 10 countries who took oath, he said it was time for them to be a part of the story and contribute to the community.
Mr Taylor also welcomed the new citizens and said while the year had tested everyone's resilience, people had stepped up to the challenge.
"(Today) we should be united in our love of Australia, warts and all," he said.
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