HE’S worked behind the scenes on hundreds of musicals and eisteddfods, established and directed choirs throughout the Central West and shared his love of music with thousands of people over almost 60 years.
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And for his efforts, Roland Auguszczak has been announced as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division as part of the 2018 Australia Day Honours List.
The Honours List recognises 895 Australians across a range of professions and industries and from all states and territories.
Mr Auguszczak said he was shocked and honoured to receive the award.
Well-known not only in Bathurst but throughout the Central West, he taught students at St Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst High, Canobolas High and Kelso High before moving on to Charles Sturt University.
He retired in 2000.
He said he had no idea who nominated him, but was delighted to be given the honour, which he said was not only for him, but for his family.
“It’s for my wife, my children, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he said.
Born in Poland, Mr Auguszczak immigrated with his family when he was nine.
The family lived in the migrant camp on Limekilns Road before eventually settling in town after the camp was dissolved in 1952.
Mr Auguszczak said his love for music began early.
"There was always music in the house; mum sang, dad played instruments, everyone played something.”
When the family moved into town, Ron Johnson, who Mr Auguszczak described as a “magnificent music teacher”, lived two doors up.
“Someone up there [heaven] must have loved me,” he said of the family’s proximity to Mr Johnson.
“Ron took me on and I owe my future to him. He’s still alive. I went to his 80th birthday and I told him I owe my career to him. He was the most knowledgeable teacher.”
Mr Auguszczak has shared his love of music with people of all ages over the past 60 years.
He has been musical director for the Carillon Theatrical Society for the past 59 years and is also a life member of the group.
He said he loves the splendour of the theatre.
“It truly is wonderful.”
He said he has seen thousands of people involved with the CTS, and said he has wonderful memories of working with them all.
Mr Auguszczak founded the Macquarie Male Singers Choir in 1994 and was musical director of the Orange Male Choir on its Goodwill Tour of China in 1993.
The tour ranks as one of the highlights of his life.
“It was a wonderful trip. We had concerts in Beijing and Shanghai, and singing on that wall [The Great Wall] is a highlight in my life; 25 years on, people still talk about it.”
He has also been a volunteer with the Bathurst Eisteddfod Society since 1957 - which is a special source of pride.
He accompanies young people from schools across Bathurst, including St Phil’s and The Assumption School, as they showcase their talents on stage.
He said the eisteddfod is a window of opportunity for youngsters: “It’s about sharing a love for music.”