HORSHAM Rural City councillor Pam Clarke has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal.
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The former Mayor said it was a shock to discover the news.
"It's really humbling; there are people in this community who have done a lot more than I have and don't get recognition," she said.
"This community has such a strong volunteering base and it makes me proud to be a part of Horsham because of that.
"You have people who have volunteered with the same group for 40 years; there are so many unsung heroes in the community and in a way I'd like to dedicate this honour to them."
Cr Clarke said her leadership journey started by being the chairwoman of her childrens' kindergarten committee.
"I was a leader in sports when I was younger, so I guess that's where it first started but the kindergarten was in trouble and I decided to join the committee," she said.
"I think that's where a lot of parents start their leadership roles - as part of school committees and volunteering at sport. There are lots of leaders out there who might not know they're leaders but they end up being great role models for their community."
Cr Clarke has been on Horsham council on-and-off since 2003, serving as Mayor in 2007 to 2008, and 2016 to 2018.
"One of my proudest achievements as a councillor was my involvement with the Horsham Aquatic Centre. There were about 10 years of fighting to get it done," she said.
"I was also very involved with the new Horsham Town Hall. What that has done for Horsham in its economic development for traders in the CBD and tourism is fantastic. Our wonderful, young talent also have an amazing opportunity to perform on a state-of-the-art stage.
"I also have a passion for Horsham North, so to see the Kalkee Children's and Community Hub finished was something I was really proud of as well."
Cr Clarke previously worked for Wimmera Uniting Care (now Wimmera Uniting) and was board member for the organisation for eight years.
"After I finished my first term on council, I was asked by (former chief executive) Wendy Sturgess to join the board which I did for eight years," she said.
"During that time I chaired the project control group for the building where Uniting Wimmera is now. It's a huge achievement for Horsham to get such a beautiful building."
I love Horsham and the sense of community here, and I want to see Horsham continue to grow.
- Pam Clarke
She said she wanted to see more women put their hand up for leadership roles.
"It's really important that women go for leadership roles, whether that's council or within their workplaces. Women often don't feel like they have the skills for roles or jobs, so they don't go for them. I would say don't question yourself and just go for it," she said.
Cr Clarke was born and raised in Horsham. She and her husband Michael have three children - Richard, Josie and Garret - and eight grandchildren who also live in Horsham.
"I met Michael while I was living in Melbourne. After we had our first child, we decided to move back to my hometown," she said.
"I want this to be a community that my grandchildren want to live in. I want them to go away and have experience somewhere else, but I want them to come back because it's a great place to raise a family.
"The opportunities for professional people in regional areas is huge and I think a lot of people miss that. I love Horsham and the sense of community here, and I want to see Horsham continue to grow."
LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS:
Horsham Rural City Council
- Mayor, 2007-2008, 2016-2018
- Councillor, 2003-2008, 2012 - current
Other Local Government
- Member, Australian Local Government Women's Association, current
- Former Member, Regional Cities Victoria
- Former Delegate, Municipal Association of Victoria
- Former Member, Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel 2018
Uniting Wimmera (formerly Wimmera Uniting Care)
- Chair, 2012-2015
- Board Member, eight years
Other
- Current Chair, Wimmera Regional Library Board
- Chair, Aboriginal Reconciliation Advisory Committee, 2016-2018
- Continuous voluntary service to the community on numerous boards and committees
Other Employment Services
- Founding Chief Executive Officer, Wimmera Job Match (now Community AXIS Enterprises Inc), 1991-2001
- Former Chair and Committee Member, Victorian/Tasmanian Branch, Association of Competitive Employment (ACE) and Secretary, National Peak Industry Body ACE (now Disability Employment Australia), 1993-2001
Rotary Club of Horsham East
- Member, since 2009
Awards and recognition
- Mayor Emeritus, Municipal Association of Victoria, 2018
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