MOUNT Gambier resident John Allen has left an enduring legacy across the Blue Lake city following years of service to local government and the community.
The former deputy mayor and alderman was among several city residents named in the Australia Day Honours List on Saturday.
He was among the council leaders who were instrumental in the decision to transform an empty paddock into the Blue Lake Sports Park and the extension to the historic City Hall.
His approachable style and willingness to listen to the concerns of ratepayers made him a popular and respected civic stalwart.
Humbled and surprised about being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Mr Allen said there were countless people across the city who had enriched the community through volunteer service.
“There are a lot of quiet achievers in our region who give a lot to our community,” the recipient said.
He said he had modelled his community service on a number of key mentors in his life.
“I hope I can live up to this – I have tried to give back to what I learned from these elderly gentlemen,” Mr Allen added.
“I was totally surprised when I was notified, I could not believe it – it is such an honour. It has been an interesting four months because I could not tell anybody about it.”
Mr Allen also paid tribute to his wife Heather for supporting his community endeavours.
The well known resident served on Mount Gambier City Council for a staggering 21 years, where he was known as a leader.
Sitting in his loungeroom reflecting on his life, Mr Allen told The Border Watch he was honoured to receive this award.
“I enjoyed on my time on council – there was no allowance during my time on council, it was purely voluntary,” Mr Allen said.
The highlights of his time on council included bolstering the city’s tourism sector, which comprised the development of the tourist-focused log cabin at Umpherston Sinkhole as well as the Lady Nelson Visitor Centre.
“I was also involved with the development of the Blue Lake Sports Park. The council at the time thought it would be a good place for a rubbish dump,” Mr Allen recalled.
But he said councillors decided the sprawling site was “too good” for a rubbish dump and it could also contaminate the water flowing to the Blue Lake.
Explaining he had a 13 year break during his council stint, he explained it was rewarding time as a civic leader and he was particularly interested in the fiscal part of the local government
body.
“I was on the finance committee for some years,” Mr Allen said.
Mr Allen has also left an indelible mark on a string of community groups including being a founding member of the Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier.
“I really enjoyed our work for the community,” Mr Allen said.
The community leader has also been president of the Mount Gambier Probus Club and Mount Gambier Retirees Association.
He was also involved with the Scout movement for more than 40 years.
