Harvey’s Paul Beech and Margaret River’s Dane Hendry rewarded for their service on Australia Day honours list

Standing before the community he served for the past 27 years, Paul Beech was congratulated in Harvey on Friday after being awarded an Ambulance Service Medal in this year’s Australia Day honours list.

Mr Beech has been a staple in the Harvey community for years, invaluable in the redevelopment of the Harvey Ambulance Sub Centre and its operation over the decades.

In a touching speech at the Shire of Harvey’s Australia Day breakfast celebration, master of ceremonies David Marshall revealed Mr Beech’s award to the community.

“His dedication to service is a testament to his good character and unwavering commitment to St. John WA,” Mr Marshall said.

Mr Beech said he was blown away when he was told he was receiving the award.

“I can’t explain it, how can you, it’s just sensational,” he said.

“It’s been an honour to be recognised by my peers.”

Mr Beech played a pivotal role providing frontline services, actively mentoring recruits and acting as the Harvey Sub Centre’s secretary for 15 years and its chairperson for four.

He was indispensable in the redevelopment of the Harvey Sub Centre, leading a sub-committee to ensure a smooth transition from a volunteer sub centre to a hybrid depot.

Receiving honours such as being promoted to an officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem and the Ambulance Service Medal were career highlights, Mr Beech said.

“However, the several lives I’ve touched, were the absolutely stand-outs.”

Also recognised on Friday’s Australia Day honours list was St John Country Manager Dane Hendry.

My Hendry has been an invaluable leader and coordinator for the organisation for more than 20 years.

He said the highlight of his career was the 10 years he spent working as a paramedic in the Margaret River region.

Mr Hendry worked to enhance volunteer centres around the South West from Margaret River to Nannup, and now coordinates paramedics and volunteers across the State.

He said it felt really special receiving the award, but WA’s volunteers are equally as deserving.

“It’s a real recognition of the volunteer service that’s provided around the State,” he said.