Richenda Goldfinch OAM & Ian Goldfinch OAM

Years of service to their small-town communities is what lead Western Australian couple Richenda Goldfinch OAM and Ian Goldfinch OAM to be recognised by the Order of Australia.

Mrs Goldfinch has been a member of the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show since 1982, where she also held the position of president from 2011 to 2018. 

She also was previously president of the Ravensthorpe Historical Society where she currently remains a member, and is also a member of the Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council. Prior to this, she was chair, vice-chair, secretary and coordinator of the Council. 

Mr Goldfinch was a member of Hopetoun Men in Sheds Inc, and had been president of the Jerdacuttup Community Association and other community organisations. 

Both were awarded the medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Ravensthorpe, which they were presented at an investiture ceremony at Government House, Western Australia.

“We received our honours with great pride and great humility,” Mrs Goldfinch says on behalf of the pair. 

“When you hear the citations from all the other recipients, and when you live in a small community in the country knowing how much other people do for the community, you think ‘why me?’

“I believe recognition is very important, and the work that people are doing needs to be acknowledged. There are so many people beavering in the background and devoting their lives in a volunteer capacity to their communities. 

“In a small community, recognition sets an example to others of how important it is to contribute and to be involved. Not much would happen in the country without volunteers!”

Mrs Goldfinch says she intends to continue her work full steam ahead following her recognition. 

“Ian and I have been involved in the Ravensthorpe Historical Society and museum for many years. He was extremely keen to see a major development happening there,” she says. 

“Unfortunately, his cancer caught up with him since the investiture ceremony and he died on May 14.

“To the best of my ability, I will continue to do what I can for the many organisations in which I am still involved.”