In fact it would be safe to say that if this was always the case, he’d have chosen a different career path to the one that has seen him chalk up 45 years in the newspaper industry.

Roel has today been honoured with an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his service to the Parkes community and local journalism.

However, it was the initial letter from Government House in Canberra informing him of his nomination that left him gobsmacked and stuck for words.

“At first I thought someone was playing a joke before I realised the letter was genuine,’ he said.

“Then all sorts of things started spinning around in my head, especially whether I was deserving of such an award.

“I don’t know who nominated me but whoever it was has certainly made me a proud man today.”

The official citation that comes with today’s announcement acknowledges Mr Roel Willem ten Cate for the following:

* Cadet Journalist 1968; Managing Editor Parkes Champion Post (1984 – 2008) and since 2010; 

* Managing Editor, Forbes Advocate, 1978-1983.

* Inaugural member and active supporter, Parkes Elvis Festival since 1993.

* Founding member, Parkes Multicultural Society.

* Long time supporter, Parkes Chamber of Commerce.

* Former Board Member, Southern Cross Retirement Village.

Today’s honour is definitely well deserved.

Born in Holland and raised in Tullamore after his mum and dad migrated to Australia, the family moved to Parkes in 1958 when Roel was only eight-years-old.

After completing High School (Year 10), Roel’s initial job was with the then R R Nock car dealership in Church Street where he worked in the spare parts section.

“The business was managed by the late Max Ewin and his vision was to train me in all aspects of the motor business to maybe one day take on a management role with the business,” Roel said.

It was a great time in Parkes’ history when jobs for young people were plentiful.

“I had the choice of a couple of jobs when I left school,” he said.

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If Max Ewin had a plan mapped out for young Roel, it wasn’t to be and a year later he was offered a job at Jack Broderick Motors.

Anne Aitken, wife of then Champion Post journalist Bob Aitken, worked at Brodericks and it was through this association Roel was offered a cadetship with the Champion Post by then  Managing Editor Ian Giles.

The year was 1968 and the journalists were Ron Tindall, Bob Aitken and Owen Dally.

If ever Roel’s self-confidence came into question, it was around this time.

“No way in the world had I ever considered becoming a journalist,” he said.

“I was terrible at writing compositions at school; how could I possibly write stories for a newspaper was my initial reaction.”

“But Mr Giles hired me on a three months trial basis. 

“He never ever told me I had the job permanently – I’ve just hung around for the last 45 years!”

It was a very different time in the newspaper industry, with the use of hot metal, the Champion Post was printed on site and sold as an afternoon paper, commercial printing was part of the operations, and the paper boasted a staff of 28.

Dramatic changes in technology, the introduction of computers, and the huge impact of the social media phenomenon means there probably isn’t a Managing Editor anywhere who has experienced such a gamut of change within the print industry.

“Readers of my weekly column (From My Desk) would be well aware I still haven’t got my head completely around all this technology.” 

Roel well remembers the guidance given him during his early years at the Champion Post.

“I had some great mentors. There was many a time I’d write a story, hand it to Ron Tindall for subbing (checking story) only to have him tear it up and tell me to start again. It was the best training I could get!

“But saying that, if it had not been for the strong support and encouragement of Bob (Aitken), I’m not sure I would have stuck at it.”

Roel quickly learnt what was expected in the job.

“After just a few months, I helped cover a drowning tragedy at the Billabong Creek crossing on the Eugowra Road.

“A car laden with people had attempted to cross the flooded road and was swept away.

“Several people lost their lives and it took some time to recover some of the bodies.

“I had to go to the scene of the tragedy every day until Police divers eventually recovered the bodies.”

It was to be the start of a career with numerous journalistic experiences.

In 1978, Roel accepted a promotion as Managing Editor with the Forbes Advocate.

“I really enjoyed my time in Forbes and established many friendships during my five years living and working in the town,” he said.

“However, when Bob Aitken resigned as Managing Editor of the Champion Post I was asked to take on the role. I welcomed the chance to move back to Parkes. And I’m still here.”

As the longest serving Managing Editor in the paper’s history, Roel has set a record that is unlikely to be challenged.

“It is something I’m not only proud of but one that I regard as a huge honour,” he said.

In 2008 – his 40th year since he started at the Champion Post - Roel decided to retire.

But, as he says in his own words, he ‘failed.”

He returned for a few days a week, but in 2010, was asked if he wanted to step back into the Managing Editor role full time.

After his short break, he was ready, and so accepted.  He now hopes to hang around for a few more years at least.

As you would expect during a 45 year career in journalism, Roel has covered numerous local events that are now part of the history of the shire.

“Who will ever forget the Mates fire of 1973 that totally destroyed the huge retail store in Clarinda Street.

“The Fire Brigade did a magnificent job in containing the fire to just the one building.  The whole block could have gone in that blaze.”

Roel also recalled some stories that had a huge emotional effect on the town.

They included the Fairfield murder of policeman David Carty, the tragic death of four miners at Northparkes Mines, and the black Saturday fires in Victoria that claimed the family of Darren Gibson who now resides in Parkes.

“It is very difficult to keep your own emotions under control when covering these types of tragic events, but my aim is always to present the facts to the community in a compassionate manner.” 

From someone who started a career in journalism with so much apprehension, he grew to enjoy writing and reporting on local happenings.

“Particularly, stories about local residents and their achievements,” he said.   “I tend to enjoy a chat, and it has always given me pleasure to report on their pumpking growing skills, graduations, school awards, babies.

“For a small community, our residents have had amazing successes.  There have been those who have gained Olympic and Commonwealth Games selection, residents honoured for their community work, such as Queens Birthday and Australia Day honours.  I have been lucky to be here to be able to share these events.”

Roel is fiercely proud of the Parkes Shire and his long-service history with the Champion Post.

“Throughout my career I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful colleagues. I won’t name them for fear of forgetting someone.

“I can honestly say I feel really lucky to still be doing something I love, and for a community I am immensely proud of.”

Roel has worked some rather awkward hours over the years but has always been strongly supported in his career by his wife, Chris.

“Chris is probably by biggest supporter, but also my harshest critic,” he said.  “If there is something which she feels is not in the best interests of a local resident or the community, she certainly lets me know.  It’s terrific to get this sort of feedback. 

“I definitely owe part of today’s honour to her.”