residents in the nation who has made the 2012 Australia Day Honours list.

August (Gus) Wohlschlager has been awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Port Pirie community, including work as a bus

driver and volunteer.

Surprised to receive the award, Mr Wohlschlager, described himself up as a “people pleaser”.

“When I came to Australia in 1955, I promised myself if I ever did better for myself, I would help as many people as I could,” he said.

“If someone reaches out a hand, and you know you’ve helped them, you know that is a reward in its own.”

Humbled by the award, he said he does not volunteer for the accolades, but rather, to help people.

“It is the icing on the cake to be nominated instead of all the other good volunteers in this town,” he said.

Volunteering helps him to stay fit. “I wouldn’t be as healthy as I am if I didn’t volunteer,” he said.

Born in Austria in 1933, Mr Wohlschlager married his wife Helen, also a volunteer, in 1955.

Also in 1955, he moved to Sydney seeking a better life after the war.

He worked in the national railways for 36 years, becoming a road master at the height of his career.

After living in country towns in South Australia, he retired in Port Pirie in 1996.

He described himself as “very private in his personal life” and has been happy living here. “It’s a good working man’s town,” he said. “We have everything we need. The people are good.”

He was hugely appreciative of the person who nominated him for the award.

“I would like to thank the person who nominated me,” he said.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce, who approved the awards, said the accolades elevated the concept of giving to others.

“They heighten our respect for one another, and they encourage Australians to think about the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy,” she said.

“The honours announced today recognise community values and celebrate what is important and unifying in Australian life.”

Mr Wohlschlager’s accolades were for:

Port Pirie Regional Health Service transport driver from 2000

Port Pirie Regional Council community bus driver from 1992-2000

UnitingCare Wesley truck driver from 2006

Men’s Shed volunteer, coordinator and fundraiser since 2006

Former State Emergency Service volunteer for three years

Former community bus driver for the Port Pirie Regional Council from 1994-2000

Member, Port Pirie Unit, State Emergency Service, three years.

Patron, driver and committee member of the Special Olympics Port Pirie since 2004.