Since the early 1900s Maxwell John McLean’s family has served the township of Moyston by volunteering with community groups and helping to nurture the region’s emerging firefighters.
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Mr McLean’s dedication was awarded with a mention on the 2018 Australia Day Honours List.
“I have just continued what my family has been doing in the community before me – helping to promote volunteerism and building community spirit,” he said.
“But these things always come as a surprise – someone in the community has nominated me and the more I think about it, the more of an honour it is.”
Mr McLean is currently the caretaker at Moyston Community Centre and a member of the Ararat Rural City Council’s Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee.
He has also been the secretary of Moyston Public Parks Committee and president of the Moyston Progress Association and Moyston Sheepdog Club.
”Moyston is a very resilient community – we are very strong and it is an honour to serve this community,” Mr McLean said.
He has also played an integral role in the Country Fire Authority, being awarded the National Emergency Medal for sustained service during the 2009 Victorian bush fires.
He was also the recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal in 2007.
Mr McLean has been involved with the CFA for 55 years.
He was instrumental in establishing a Road Accident Rescue capacity at the Plenty Brigade, which developed into a fully accredited and highly respected unit.
But he said the “tragic” moments after Black Saturday were some of the most difficult throughout his time with the CFA.
”The Sunday after I got a call to go down to Kinglake West and was there to help relieve the townspeople of any extra burdens – we just did what we could,” Mr McLean said.
“We weren’t firefighting because the fires had already passed through, but we were a face to the locals, helping to sort out any of their problems and helping coordinate fire crews in and out of the area.
“It was a devestating time – I was the CFA group officer down there so I knew the area and many people who lived there.”
Mr McLean said the way communities across the state bounced back from the Black Saturday disaster was a true reflection of the Australian spirit.
“We are a strong people and it is important to acknowledge that on Australia Day,” he said.
“It is great to see people among their respective communities who are recognised for their hard work, determination and courage on our national day.”
