East Gosford resident, Mr Leslie Dell, has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to business, education and the community.
Mr Dell began his work in education as a member of the St Clare’s College Council in Waverly, which he remained a part of for 39 years.
Mr Dell became the Chairman on the council in 1968 and dedicated himself to the position for a further 20 years.
He was actively involved in community volunteer work through St Vincent de Paul in Sydney from 1996, until he relocated to the Central Coast almost five years ago.
Mr Dell said volunteer work has always been valuable and rewarding.
“It was an enlightening experience,” Mr Dell said.
Since moving to East Gosford in 2015, Mr Dell has been working as a volunteer at Coast Shelter Gosford.
“I haven’t been on the Central Coast long, but I’ve tried my best to get involved with the community here,” Mr Dell said.
He is also a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Wyoming.
Among his many achievements, Mr Dell was the Director of Finance for Nutrimetics International from 1968 until 1988, and was the Director of the Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales up until last year.
Despite his individual achievements, Mr Dell said the award is a reflection of a team effort.
“I am both humble and proud and I don’t forget all the people I’ve met over the last 60 years who have done a huge amount of work,” Mr Dell said.
“I’m conscious that they not only adorn this award but that they travel on the periphery and are equally deserving of recognition.
“Society is full of people who travel on the boundary and who never make it onto the playing field, and they are the people that keep things moving,” he said.
Mr Dell said that whilst he may be reaching the tail end of his career, he is still aiming to contribute to the life of the community.
Source:
Interview, Jan 25
Leslie Dell, East Gosford
Olivana Smith-Lathouris, journalist