Michael Greenwood is regarded as the ‘jewel’ in Parkes’ crown and has been rewarded for his amazing contribution to local, state and federal government and community activities in today’s Australia Day Honours List.

In receiving his OAM, Michael becomes one of Parkes’ most honoured citizen, having been awarded the Public Service Medal (regarded as a higher award than the OAM)  in the very first allocation in January 1990, and also Parkes Shire Citiizen of the Year in 2012.

One of the real characters of the town, Michael has mixed with princes, prime ministers, governors, premiers, international sporting stars and played a huge role in promoting Parkes all over the world for the past three decades.

He started his career with Parkes Municipal Council way back on September 13, 1976, and only retired a couple of years ago - after 602 council meetings and 13,000 days at council.

He did not stay retired for long however, becoming a Parkes Shire councillor at the last election!

Michael said he was extremely humbled by the honour, and noted that he made No. 39 of the local residents who had received an Australia Day Honour since they were started 39 years ago.

‘That’s basically one a year, which is pretty amazing for a community of this size,” he said.

“It says a lot about our community.  Pro rata, I doubt anyone could match it.

“I believe there are three keys to the award - community, family and local government and this is recognition of all those.”

Michael paid a huge tribute to his family.

“Back in 1976 I was secretary of nine committees.  I used to write myself letters!

“But it meant I was out most nights attending meetings when perhaps I should have been at home, although I knew the family was in capable hands.

“Robyn and I have been married now for more than 40 years and she has been a huge support to me.”

Michael said Parkes’ centenary in 1983 was a turning point.

“We got it altogether as a community, and there were more people enthused about promoting the town on the back of the momentum of the centenary.

“We formed the Visitors Centre and developed a tourism plan - the first west of the Blue Mountains - to also include sports tourism.

“Working with council, we accepted the challenge to upgrade our local facilities with the aim of attracting major events. 

“We were quite successful with international rugby league and hockey matches being staged.

“It did so much to put Parkes on the map.”

Michael also paid tribute to the quality leadership of the shire.

“In the last 62 years, we have only had five mayors and this longevity and stability has provided valuable momentum to keep the area developing.

“For example, our last two Mayors, the late Robert Wilson served the community for 43 years and current Mayor Ken Keith 32 not out.

“That’s a total of 75 years including 30 as Mayors.  They certainly set the bar high in terms of civic leadership, longevity, quality and stability.

“Mayor Wilson always said to surround yourself with good people - and I believe that is what has happened here in Parkes.

“It has played a major role in progessing the town - and I can happily reflect on my contribution over all the years.”

Michaels amazing contribution to Parkes was acknowledged following his retirement.

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His OAM honour listed the following in brief:

For service to local government, and to the community of Parkes.

Councillor, Parkes Shire Council, since 2012; Member, Parkes Pool Planning Committee.

Council Representative/ Delegate to a range of Committees including Association of Mining Related Councils; Parkes Australia Day Committee; Charles Sturt University Regional Consultative Committee; 

Newell Highway Taskforce Committee; Northparkes Mine Community Consultative Committee; Parkes Shire Cultural Advisory Committee; Scholarships Committee; Sporting Facilities Development Committee.

Employed in a range of roles, including Promotions Officer and Economic Development Manager, 1976-2011. 

Secretary, Parkes Sports Council, 1978-2012; Patron, current; Life Member, current.

Committee Member, Parkes Rugby League Football Club, current; Life Member.

Co-Organiser, Major Rugby League matches, including Australia v France (1990) and New South Wales Country versus Great Britain (1992).

Member, Northparkes GP Cup Committee, since 2009.

Committee Member, Parkes Hockey Inc, several years; Representative Player, many years.

Involvement with Holy Family Church, Parkes, many years.

Secretary, Parkes Centenary Committee; National Bicentennial Committee; Parkes 125th Anniversary Committee; Parkes Australia Day Committee; Parkes Centenary of Federation Committee; and Parkes Olympic Torch Relay Organising Committee - spanning 30 years.

Life Member, Newell Highway Promotions Committee.

Justice of the Peace 30 years; Author of history books on the Parkes Catholic Church 1989 and the Grinsted Cup cricket trophy 1985.