The community of Kiama is celebrating Colin Roy Rathbone, who was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) during the 2024 King's Birthday Honours. This prestigious award acknowledges his exceptional service to the local community, particularly through his extensive involvement with local organisations.

Colin’s contributions to the Australian Red Cross are notable; he served as Treasurer from 2016 to 2022 and has been an active member since 2010. His dedication extends to the Friends of Blue Haven Aged Care Facility, where he was Secretary from 2012 to 2022, having joined the group in 2011.

Colin’s commitment to the Kiama community spans several decades. Since the 1970s, he has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Kiama District Sports Association from 1976 to 2021. He also served as Secretary of the Kiama Friends of Vision Australia from 2010 to 2022 and became a Foundation Troop Member of the Kiama Light Horse Brigade in 2014.

Throughout his years of service, Colin has received multiple accolades. In 2017, he was honoured as Kiama's Australia Day Citizen of the Year. He was also named the Kiama Council Sports Star of the Year in 2010 and holds life memberships with both the Kiama Junior Football Club and the Kiama District Sports Association.

Colin is humble about his achievements: “I could not have done the work for the organisations that I was involved in without the support of all of the committee members of those groups, it has been a joint effort all the way.”

The local community has expressed immense pride in Colin’s achievements. Karon Dawson posted on Facebook, “Huge congratulations to another Kiama legend, Col Rathbone OAM, on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved award. We are all so proud of you and grateful for everything you have done for our community!” 

Gordon Bell added, “Col has contributed hugely to our community.”

Colin Rathbone's OAM is a testament to his lifelong dedication to service and the significant impact he has made on the Kiama community.