Medal for community service

Woy Woy resident Mr James Murch has been awarded an Order of Australia medal in the general division for his service to the community through the Macquarie Branch of National Seniors Australia.

Mr Murch has been chairman of the Macquarie Branch, National Seniors Australia, since 2009, was president from 2003 to 2007, vice-president for four years and has undertaken various roles within the organisation since 1992.

"I've been with the National Seniors group on the committee there for about 10 years.

"I was a member of the musical society at the Uniting Church for 20 plus years and we used to donate a lot of money to Christian Community Aid.

"It just sort of formed as an association with Christian Community Aid where we helped them out where we possibly could," said Mr Murch.

"I was a bit dumbstruck when I found out I was nominated.

"It was something you don't expect.

"A lady from the National Seniors group in Sydney nominated me and I wasn't allowed to know anything about it until the decision was made."

Mr Murch said he will be retiring from the committee in July but will continue with his involvement with Deepwater Court retirement village.

Kaitlin Watts, 20 Jun 2011 James Murch, Woy Woy