Two prominent South Gippsland community members have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours, receiving Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their outstanding service.
Highly-regarded Foster doctor David Iser received his honour for service to medicine as a general practitioner, while Sandy Point resident Megan Vuillermin was awarded her OAM for exceptional service to the Corner Inlet Community.
Dr Iser, now based in Barwon Heads but still serving Foster patients, admitted to being a reluctant recipient initially. Speaking to the Sentinel Times after a celebration lunch with family, he said: "When I was advised about it by email, my initial thought was there are so many unsung contributors to the community who do what they do without recognition, who deserve it more than me."
However, he reflected that the recognition might encourage more medical students to practice in rural areas. "I've taught a lot of students over the years and felt it might encourage a few more of them to come out and practice in the country."
Dr Iser has served the Foster community since 1998, previously sharing duties with fellow OAM recipient Dr Peter Baquie, often working gruelling schedules including consecutive nights and weekends.
Speaking to the Sentinel Times, Ms Vuillermin described feeling overwhelmed by the recognition. "It's all a bit uncomfortable and a bit overwhelming," she said, adding that it was also "an honour and a tribute to a community of volunteers."
"There's always a team; it's never just one person. There are so many amazing people in our community and I imagine I do more than some and not more than others."
The self-confessed "serial committee person" has been involved in numerous community organisations since making Sandy Point her home 24 years ago, including Fish Creek Kindergarten, Foster Basketball Association, and various fundraising initiatives.
She told the Sentinel that her proudest achievement was establishing the Prom Coast Centre for Children while running her own business and raising two young children. "I worked on that for years and I knew when I started that, by the time it was finished, my kids would be too old for it, which was the case, but it was well needed."
