![PRAISED: Dr Ben Gelin has received an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his outstanding contributions to arts, law and community support.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/xry9xtRQu9u36zRV2j5976/d6e772fc-182c-4bea-8262-326930b63f93.JPG/r358_164_3799_2437_w576_h298_fmax.webp "PRAISED: Dr Ben Gelin has received an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his outstanding contributions to arts, law and community support.")
"It's really hard for Martha and I to stay humble at the moment with all these accolades," laughs Dr Ben Gelin as he reflects on his Order of Australia Medal [OAM].
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Dr Gelin is, of course, referring to his wife's recent Bathurst Living Legend induction, an honour he too received in 2015.
And with an outstanding resume of contributions to law, performing arts and community support, it's easy to see why Dr Gelin has been honoured with an OAM.
Dr Gelin is an active board member of a variety of community organisations, including New Horizons, Macquarie Philharmonia, Mitchell Conservatorium and the Bathurst Seymour Centre.
"I've served on many community committees throughout the years, and the only times I've refused these positions is because of time conflicts," Dr Gelin said.
"Through my family, I learned the value of assisting others who might be uncertain of which direction to take; for example, if a visually impaired person is afraid of crossing the street, I believe it's your role to help them out if you come into contact."
Dr Gelin moved to Bathurst from Tasmania in 1984, where he served as an Associate Professor of Law at Charles Sturt University for 10 years.
After many years running his own law firm in Bathurst, Dr Gelin stepped back from the role full-time a number of years ago but at 84, he continues to work as a consultant for the Dubbo-based Austen Brown Boog Solicitors.
"I primarily assist with neighbour disputes and legal advice around government-led robodebt action, and I applaud Austen Brown Boog for their ethics and proficiency," he said.
Dr Gelin is also passionate about music and while he may be nearly deaf [and a fluent Auslan speaker], he has continued to amplify his support for local artists.
"I love music, and it plays a vital role to Bathurst's cultural sector," he said.
"For young people, creativity is such an important escape from boredom and troubles."
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Dr Gelin is a firm supporter of the Bathurst Arts Council, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, The Song Company and Veritas House.
Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
