NAMBUCCA’s John Ainsworth has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for “service worthy of particular recognition”.
Mr Ainsworth served on Nambucca Valley Council for 32 years, several times as Deputy Mayor.
He was also a member of the Premier’s Regional Communities Consultative Council for eight years and the NSW Farmers Association for 27 years.
Born in Nambucca, Mr Ainsworth was involved in horticulture and dairying before switching to beef cattle when dairying costs rose.
He stood for council because of concerns about environmental zoning, intending to serve one term but ultimately serving eight.
He said people began to realise that ratepayers needed to know what the council was doing.
“The OAM was a complete surprise,” he said.
“I am quite proud of it but it is very humbling.”
He added that he has had a very busy life, running a substantial property alongside his community contributions.
Mr Ainsworth is currently a supporter of the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum, a member of the Macksville Masonic Lodge, and a Director of Lifetime Connect, an NDIS service provider operating from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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