Felix Reitano Honoured With OAM For Decades Of Service To Hinchinbrook - ‘We all bleed red.’

While yet another wet weather event was happening in North Queensland, the Governor of Queensland hosted a private Investiture Ceremony in Ingham to honour one of the region’s most respected community fgures, Mr Felix Reitano OAM. Te ceremony, held at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library, brought together Mr Reitano’s family and close friends, along with community leaders including Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa MP, Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Cr Ramon Jayo and Townsville City Council Mayor Cr Nick Dametto. Mr Reitano received the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of decades of service to business and the Hinchinbrook community, including civic leadership, volunteer work, military service and advocacy for veterans and local history. In her address, the Governor highlighted the qualities that have guided his service: integrity, kindness and a commitment to helping others, and spoke of the resilience of the Reitano family, whose century-old business has survived foods and fres to remain a part of Ingham’s story. “At a time when many communities are once again facing challenging conditions, the ceremony was a reminder of the quiet leadership and shared efort that strengthen communities in times of adversity,” she said. Mr Reitano, refecting on the recognition, said it had never been something he expected. “I think that you do community work for the community and so be it. What comes along afer that is a bonus. I’ve been involved over the years in many diferent sporting events, cultural events, business events and military events, and you just do what you’re asked to do and go from there.” His dedication to service, he explained, is part of a family tradition. “We have always been (volunteering), going back to my grandfather’s days and my father’s days. Te Work that my son Peter does in the community seems like a natural progression from one generation to the next”. Mr Reitano spoke of the variety of roles he has taken on in the community, from being a JP for nearly 50 years, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Anzac Day Parade Marshall, being involved in the Texas Terror celebrations, through sporting organisations, and with his own business. “Our family business, that has been operating for over 100 years in the Herbert River district, is still going strong. Te important thing, I think, is you just have to do the best for all members of the community, whether race, colour or creed. We all bleed red. So we need to make this place a better place for everyone.” Mr Reitano described Hinchinbrook as a community that supports everyone, regardless of background, saying, “I think it’s a great community. No matter who you are, what race or religion you are, what ethnic background you come from, you do the right thing and this community will support you”. Felix thanked his family, friends, colleagues and especially his wife Judy for supporting him over the many years, upholding long generations of family and friendship values. He acknowledged that his wife Judy deserves half of this award. “It was a team efort to help me achieve this award”. For Mr Reitano, the OAM refects a lifetime of service rooted in family, tradition and a genuine love for his region. His dedication shows that leadership is ofen quiet and that generosity ofen goes unseen, but it is these eforts that strengthen a community and help it thrive. Mr Reitano’s story is a reminder of the diference one person can make, when commitment is made to a community.