I take this opportunity to acknowledge Bruce Wilson, who received notification of his well-deserved Order of Australia Medal this year on Australia Day. He will receive his award at a ceremony at Government House on 1 May. Bruce retired as managing editor of The Advertiser, Cessnock’s local paper, in November last year. He was with the paper for 42 years, starting in 1970. Bruce is and was involved heavily with many organisations within the local community, including Rotary, for 36 years, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow , which is the highest award in Rotary.
Bruce has served as president of Cessnock Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism Board, been made a life member of Cessnock District Cricket Association, and is an honorary member of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Retired Mineworkers Associations. Bruce is a director of the Cessnock Supporters Club. He is also a director of Northern Coalfields Community Care Association and the Cessnock District Health Benefits Fund. Bruce’s wife, Margaret, was hoping that once he retired they would have time to travel but, knowing Bruce and all that he is involved in, they will be short trips only.