Strathbogie Councillor receives OAM

AUSTRALIA DAY 2020

Mick Williams has local government running through his veins.

The Strathbogie Shire councillor was presented with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and has clocked up 55 years in local government, following in the footsteps of his own father who was Shire President.

“It was a real surprise when I got the email from Canberra, I was pretty taken back,’’ Mick said.

“I thought ‘this is pretty odd’ and I kept it quiet.’’

He humbly admits he only told his wife Maureen just days before the Australia Day awards ceremony.

Cr Williams has been a Strathbogie Shire councillor since 1997, including three terms as Mayor during that period.

Prior to this, the Euroa born and bred Cr Williams worked for the shire as an outdoors staff member.

“I also did 22 years in road safety, so my time with local government has been more than 55 years,’’ he said.

He is particularly proud of his involvement in having rumble strips rolled out in roads and rail crossings around the region to increase safety on country roads.

“I love what I do, I love working for the community, I have been very lucky in my life,’’ he said.

“People have been good to me and this is a great place to live and be active in the community.

“I know so many people through my various roles.’’

A passionate footballer, Cr Williams has spent decades playing, coaching and volunteering with the Euroa Magpies Football Netball Club and the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League.

He first pulled on the boots in the 1960s alongside the legendary Dick O’Bree.

“I have coached all the junior kids and I think clocked up about five premierships as well,’’ he said.

Last year he was inducted into the Goulburn Valley League Hall of Fame for his commitment and dedication to football not only in Euroa, but Avenel and Longwood.

“I love my sport, it’s a great way to meet people and be involved in the community,’’ he said.

He has tried his hand at cricket and bowls, but admits golf is certainly not his cup of tea.

“I have also been the town Santa at one stage for about 40 or 50 years,’’ he said.

Cr Williams has been married to Maureen since 1965 and has three children and five grandchildren who, along with his community work, are his pride and joy.