PGA Professional Ray Wilson was among those honoured by the Governor General on the Australia Day honour list, awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia last week.
Wilson, the Club Professional at Strathfield Golf Club since 1961, was recognised for his ‘service to the sport of golf and to the community through a range of charitable organisations.’
A significant contributor to his local Rotary Club, Wilson has regularly been involved with youth and fundraising initiatives through Strathfield Golf Club and other community programs.
Wilson served on Strathfield City Council from 1983 to 1991, during which time he also took on the role of Deputy Mayor in 1988.
In 2009 Wilson was named Citizen of the Year by the Strathfield Municipal Council, while only last year he was recognised by his fellow PGA Members with an achievement award as part of the PGA of Australia’s Centenary awards program.
Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said Wilson’s latest award is just recognition of a distinguished career spent giving to others.
“To be recognised in the Australia Day Honours List is one of the highest acknowledgments for any individual and I sincerely congratulate Ray on behalf of the PGA and all our Members,” said Thorburn.
“Ray’s contribution to the local community through golf and otherwise is truly commendable, and we are extremely proud to have an already highly respected PGA Professional honoured in such a way.”
PGA Chairman and fellow Professional Mark Gibson added to Thorburn’s sentiments;
“A person like Ray Wilson does a lot more than just teach golf. He is a mentor to a lot of young people, he has kick started many people’s lifetime enjoyment of the challenging game of golf- a game that has tremendous health, economic and social benefits to the entire Australian community.”
“The selfless giving by people like Ray is the fabric of Australian society.”
The full list of Australia Day honourees can be found at www.gg.gov.au
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