Lawrence Molachino Recognised With Order Of Australia Medal

Lawrence Molachino receives recognition with an Order of Australia Medal. Photo supplied

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After decades of quietly giving his time to the Hinchinbrook community, Lawrence Molachino has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service.

Lawrence was announced as a recipient in the King’s Birthday Honours List, acknowledging his long-standing commitment to community organisations, volunteering and helping others.

His involvement began early, becoming the inaugural President of the Rotaract Club of Ingham in 1969, before later joining Rotary.

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One of his longest commitments was with the Ingham Show Society, where he served on the committee from 1986 to 2021, including as Secretary from 1986 to 2004 and President from 2005 to 2008. He was later made a Life Member in recognition of his contribution.

Lawrence has also served the community as a real estate agent, Justice of the Peace since 1966, Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor from 2004 to 2016, Treasurer of the Ingham Bowls Club and a member of the Lucinda Progress Association.

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Despite the recognition, Lawrence said the award came as a surprise and he felt very humbled by it.

“[I felt] Embarrassed, I guess. Embarrassed and surprised,” he said.

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“We just do these things because we want to do them, and we love to help people out. That’s about where it was. I was very surprised.”

Lawrence said volunteering was never about receiving recognition.

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“It’s just a great thank you for what you’ve done. None of us do it for the accolades, it’s something we love to do for the community,” he said.

Looking back, Lawrence said his involvement grew naturally from wanting to help where he could.

“It’s just part of me. From day one, I’ve always liked to do things for people if I could, and it just went on from there.”

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While he did not always realise how much time he was dedicating, Lawrence said reflecting on his journey showed just how much he had contributed.

“You don’t realise how much time you put into these things because you just go out and do what you enjoy.”

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For Lawrence, every role has been rewarding, whether it was supporting a major community event or helping an individual through his work as a Justice of the Peace.

“I think my involvement with the Ingham Show was probably the catalyst where it all started,” he said.

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“It’s good to see it go ahead in leaps and bounds. You put a lot of time in, but you also see the youngsters and people turn up to enjoy the show, and that gives you satisfaction.”

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Lawrence said one of the highlights of his time with the Show Society was the people he worked alongside.

“They’re all volunteers, and they’re a marvellous group. They deserve medals too because they put a lot of time in.”

He believes the strength of the Hinchinbrook community comes from the people who live here.

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“It’s just a nice group. People are very friendly. You walk down the street, say good morning, and if you need assistance, it’s there for you.”

Lawrence also credits his wife Marlene for always supporting his community involvement.

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“She’s always been behind me. If I want to go and do something, she says, ‘Go and do it, enjoy doing it.’ She backs me up, so I need to give her half the medal.”

While Lawrence has achieved a great deal, he remains involved today as a Life Member of the Ingham Show Association, a Justice of the Peace and through his ongoing work.

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He hopes the community continues to look out for those who may need a little extra support, including older residents who may not have family nearby.

“It’s nice to just go up and say good day and have a visit, even for five minutes. People appreciate it.”

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Reflecting on receiving the OAM, Lawrence said it was a fitting conclusion to a lifetime of service.

“It’s been a good journey, and this tops it off. I never thought this would come to me, but now it’s here, I’ll grab it with both hands and say thank you on behalf of all the other volunteers around the place.”

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