The presentation was made on the Sunshine Coast where Brian now resides with wife Lil.
Pinning the medal to his chest was Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young, who made a special visit to his nursing home to make the presentation in front of his family.
Present were son Brian jnr, daughters Ann and Lisa and several grandchildren.
Sons Mark, Paul and Stephen were unable to attend the ceremony.
While he left the Southern Riverina for Queensland some time ago, Brian’s OAM was specifically for his contributions to the Tocumwal community.
It recognised his service as a firefighter, and a volunteer or committee member with Tocumwal Football Club, Tocumwal Race Club, Tocumwal Chamber of Commerce, Tocumwal Sacred Heart School, St Peter’s Catholic Church parish and Tocumwal Rotary Club.
In May 2022 he was one of the inaugural inductees to the Tocumwal Football Netball Club Hall of Fame.
Brian was also the publican of the Farmer’s Arms.
He was so prominent that he was nicknamed the unofficial mayor of Tocumwal.
Now 95 years old, Brian retains a witty personality and a cheerful demeanour.
His son Mark said he was “overawed” upon hearing the news of his investiture in January.
“He was overjoyed and very proud, not only for himself but also for his greater family,” Mark said.
“It was something that he never expected”.
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