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EDITOR,
I was surprised and dismayed by the tone of M Nyholm’s letter Many Deserve Honour (Times July 16).
Whilst taking no issue with her claim that many people have been instrumental in the success and development of Ulladulla and the Civic Centre and giving credit to them, I do take issue with her need to denigrate one exceptional voluntary worker for our community and her family.
Although not named, it is assumed that the letter referred to the late Ruth Richards in response to Shoalhaven City Council’s call in the previous week’s Times for public comment on a proposal to name the auditorium in the new civic centre in her honour.
As Ruth’s nominator for both Shoalhaven City Council and Lions Club Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award 2009 and as co-nominator for her to receive the Order of Australian Medal, I can vouch for the fact that Ruth was an exceptional citizen, indeed worthy of the honour of having part of a civic facility named after her.
Ruth had the distinction of gaining both the above Australia Day Awards and also the Order of Australia Medal, as announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012.
The Order of Australia honours system “celebrates the outstanding achievement and contributions of extraordinary Australians in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavour. It is about recognising those people in the community whose service and contributions have had the effect of making a significant difference to Australian life, or, more broadly, to humanity at large.’ (Order of Australia Nomination form).
As was recognised by the above awards, Ruth worked tirelessly (in a voluntary capacity) for a range of organisations in the Ulladulla district over many years and as a result achieved many benefits for our area and its residents.
The civic centre was especially close to her heart and she, together with others named, was certainly instrumental in the development of the centre over the years.
But this was not all.
Ruth’s contribution went well beyond, going right back to involvement in the establishment of the first pre-school in the district in the early 60s.
The civic centre is not just a building but, as has often been said, the hub and heart of our community.
Ruth should be recognised and honoured by her community, as well as by the SCC, the Lions Club and the Council for the Order of Australia and the Governor General, as being an exceptional contributor to this community.
If you agree please let Shoalhaven City Council know.
Robin Watt
Ulladulla