Leigh Hardinge can now add an OAM to his list of achievements. 76174 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Vanessa Chircop
LEIGH Hardinge had the better half of his Christmas Day disturbed when he was called to duty by Altona’s State Emergency Service (SES).
The team, including Leigh’s wife Merridee, worked tirelessly until 1am on Boxing Day throughout Altona helping distressed residents battle a relentless storm.
That night they caught a few precious hours of sleep before being back on duty the rest of Boxing Day assisting residents in Taylors Hill who bore the brunt of the storm.
Last week, Leigh was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to local government and the community of Victoria.
In 1961 Leigh’s community service began as an instructor in the Scouts with the First Altona Scout Group.
He assisted in establishing the Third Altona Cub Pack and in 1978 Leigh retired from an active Leadership role in Scouting with the rank of Assistant District Commissioner.
In 1983, Leigh’s work with the SES began.
He became a volunteer foundation member of the SES Altona Unit, was unit controller from 1990-2006 and is presently their Community Relations Officer.
“The SES has been a big part of our lives,” he said.
Since moving to Altona in 1950, Leigh has been involved in countless organisations, was the Mayor of Hobsons Bay from 2006-2007, Deputy Mayor from 2004-2006 and a Councillor from 2002 to 2008.
At the moment Leigh said he is “only” involved in 11 community organisations.
The Altona resident said he felt honoured and humbled to be awarded an OAM.
“I have to share this with so many people – it’s not just me,” he said.
“I definitely couldn’t have done it without the support of Merridee and the family.”
Leigh said it was his father who encouraged him to get involved with his community.
“He always said you should always try and leave a place a little bit better than you found it.”
Leigh spent Australia Day at Logan Reserve cooking a sausage sizzle to raise money for the SES.
