“PEOPLE need to focus more on giving back to the community rather than getting,” Queen’s Birthday 2019 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipient Kevin Hein believes.
Mr Hein anchored his roots in the Blue Lake city at a young age and has forged a reputation as a significant contributor to the region’s performing arts.
Among his many achievements, Mr Hein is credited with founding the Association of Eisteddfod Societies of Australia in 1992 and has served in many roles for both the association and Backstage Incorporated.
However, Mr Hein’s life was originally on a different trajectory as he looked at an industrial chemistry career.
Instead, he opted to explore his creative side, launching into a interior design career after industrial chemistry was not for him.
“I have always been creative so consequently a passion developed into a life-long profession,” he said.
“I have been a founding member, committee member, life member, president, secretary and chairman with a number of groups over the years of which I am proud of.
“I like being involved and some place, somewhere will always need a pair of hands.”
Mr Hein said he always felt he needed something more in life but did not know what it was.
“I felt like I needed more knowledge so I travelled for six and a half years exploring Europe,” he said.
“I have always been interested in architecture especially buildings formed in the 18th century.
“Australia is not old enough to have anything to study so I particularly enjoyed investigating building infrastructure, materials and the history.”
Mr Hein jumped from job to job overseas and broadended his knowledge and skill base.
“I wanted to do everything I could so now I can look back at everything I have done,” he said.
“A highlight for me was working in Attenborough as a new department store’s first display manager.
“Where some people learn at university, I learn from life.”
Mr Hein said what he learnt overseas influenced each group and activity he has been involved with.
“I had the time so I have been an active person my whole life,” he said.
“I have been heavily involved with the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod group and have always said, people have to start somewhere.
“I love giving kids the opportunity as everybody has a passion or a gift you may just need to find it.”
Mr Hein said he has enjoyed every moment involved in groups such as the Mount Gambier Caledonian Society, Old Hospital Restoration Society, Back to Mount Gambier Celebrations, PANARC Film Group and Wehl Street Community Theatre.
“Once you become involved it is a bit like a drug,” he said.
“Our involvement and giving our time grew opportunities for people.
“In turn it enriches your own experiences and grows you as a person.”
Mr Hein’s biography Beyond Borders is one of his greatest achievements and documents his life journey through its pages.
