Bathurst's OAM recipients

When he found out he was being considered for an OAM, and then when he was told he would receive one, he was left speechless.

“It was a bit of a shock ... it [his work over the years] was just what I did,” he said.

The quietly spoken 84-year-old has been recognised for his service to motorsport.

During his time in the sport, he has acted in the role of clerk of course, race official, race director and event co-ordinator.

Many well-known speedway champions can also count Mr McDonald as being vital in helping them cross the line first.

As a qualified motor mechanic, he prepared engines and sponsored a number of well-known riders, including Chris Watson, who won 34 Australian and 72 state championships in dirt and long track racing.

He also sponsored state championship winner Len Norris, and Australian speedway competitor Glenn McDonald (Mr McDonald’s son).

In addition, he assisted world speedway champion Hans Nielsen, from Denmark, and Bruce Penhall, from the USA, during their time racing in Australia.

“It was my business. I did all the engines and all the maintenance,” Mr McDonald said.

He still boasts an impressive collection of motorcycles.

“It’s been a good life. I’ve enjoyed it,” he said.

GRAEME Hanger is known through many circles in the Bathurst community.

To some he is a familiar face who has been a teacher for the past 50 years, to others he is the man behind many of the city’s junior sport events.

And others know him for serving as a Bathurst Regional councillor since 2008.

Since Cr Hanger, 69, opened a letter in his mailbox late last year to tell him he would receive an OAM, he has remained in disbelief.

“You just do it because someone has to do it,” he said of his work.

“It’s nice, it’s very humbling.”

Cr Hanger said he became a teacher in 1966, and has since cherished his role.

“I enjoy it. You have good times with kids, and the whole thing is whether you teach history or geography, it’s teaching them about life,” he said.

Sport is close to Cr Hanger’s heart.

“It’s making sure kids get an opportunity. We’ve got good sporting facilities in Bathurst,” he said.

“It’s satisfying to see all these sporting competitions come to Bathurst and it’s good for the city.”

Cr Hanger was named as a Living Legend during last year’s bicentenary celebrations.

WILLIAM Harrison is a teacher, dedicated volunteer and pastoral carer.

Mr Harrison, 79, is well-known in the Bathurst community for his roles in education, the Bathurst Eisteddfod and a wide range of community groups.

A genuinely humble Mr Harrison said he still couldn’t believe he was chosen for an OAM.

“I was deeply honoured, but genuinely embarrassed ... there are many people in the community that have done things better than me,” he said.

For his decades of giving back to his community, he credits his wife Eva and his family for their support.

Mr Harrison moved to Bathurst in 1960 as a young teacher, and began contributing to his new community.

During his time in education, Mr Harrison worked as principal of Eglinton and Kelso public schools.

He also worked as cluster director, inspector and consultant within the education sector.

“It’s my lifelong work and I love education and working with kids and working with teachers and parents,” he said.

His volunteering roles are wide and varied and include the Bathurst Eisteddfod Society, National Trust, Bathurst Plains Probus Club and the University of the Third Age (U3A).

He has also given his time as pastoral carer at Macquarie Care Centre in Bathurst since 1993.