By Chantelle Bozicevic
“I’m accepting this on behalf of all of the volunteers of the Gympie region, who collectively do wonderful things. This is for Gympie,“ said Wayne Sachs after receiving the prestigious honour of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
Mr Sachs has been a dedicated servant of the community, quietly transforming lives for over five decades.
This recognition highlights his exceptional service and selfless contributions to the Gympie region.
Mr Sachs, ever humble, accepts the honour with deep appreciation while emphasising that it symbolises the collective efforts of the volunteers who work tirelessly to make Gympie a better place.
“It does seem unfair to single out individuals for an Order of Australia, however that’s just how the system works. I can think of a whole lot of other people who should have received this and not me.
“For that reason I’m accepting this on behalf of all of the volunteers of the Gympie region, who collectively do wonderful things. This is for Gympie.“
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Mr Sachs cites one of his most significant achievements: Catalysing the fast-tracking of development to four lanes of the Bruce Highway from Cooroy to Curra in 2009.
With heartfelt conviction, he describes the immense impact this project had on improving safety and saving lives. Previously plagued by tragic accidents on a weekly basis, the “goat track“ of a national highway demanded urgent attention. Mr. Sachs took it upon himself to effect change.
“The local state member facilitated a face-to-face meeting for me to see the federal infrastructure minister, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra, and the rest is history,“ recalls Mr Sachs.
Contrary to expectations, the minister attentively listened as Mr Sachs presented his case, dedicating a remarkable 35 minutes to the conversation.
The outcome exceeded all hopes, with the section of the Bruce Highway being elevated from 26th to the top priority on the national infrastructure projects list. The project commenced shortly thereafter, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless individuals.
Grateful for the role he played, Mr Sachs readily acknowledges that his achievements are the result of collaborative efforts.
“Anything that I have ever contributed to or achieved in the Gympie region has been with a whole lot of other people. You can’t do anything alone; it’s always a team effort,“ he humbly acknowledged.
While the Order of Australia Medal focuses on individual accomplishments, Mr Sachs believes that the true essence of community service lies in collective action. He expresses a sense of gratitude and deep respect for the numerous volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their time and energy to uplifting Gympie.
In his eyes, the award symbolises the commitment, compassion, and unwavering spirit of the entire community.
Furthermore, Mr. Sachs extends his heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Susie, who has been a pillar of support throughout his endeavours, always standing by his side as he pursued various local causes.
As Mr Sachs accepts the Order of Australia Medal, the community celebrates not only his accomplishments but also the vibrant spirit of Gympie itself. He reminds us that it is through the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers that a community thrives and flourishes.