Two Mackay locals have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM); one for his service in the Australian army and the other for his contribution to the local lychee industry.
Ronald Bassan OAM signed up for the army at age 17, serving from 1954 to 1975 in both Malaysia (known then as Malaya) and Vietnam.
He received a long list of awards and recognition for his military service, including the Australian Defence Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, and Vietnamese Medal 1962.
Mr Bassan is a proud return serviceman; a member of 'A' Field Battery Association, Royal Australian Artillery since 1997 and serving as president and secretary throughout his tenure, as well as the RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch.
He followed his passions for orchid growing and stamp collecting upon returning to Mackay, participating in community groups including the Australian Native Orchid Society Mackay Group, Mackay and District Orchid Society and the Mackay and District Philatelic Society.
Mr Bassan was awarded the OAM “for service to the community through a range of organisations.”
Laurence Dixon revolutionised the lychee industry.
He has owned Rainbow Orchard in Sarina since 1978, recently making headlines when he introduced Australia’s first seedless lychee variety in 2020.
He is constantly experimenting with and creating various new cultivars, increasing the export opportunities of Australia’s lychees.
Mr Dixon co-founded the Australian Lychee Growers Association in 1986, serving as president for five years and becoming a life member in 2018.
He was also awarded the Queensland Government Export award in 2002.
Mr Dixon was awarded the OAM “for service to horticulture.”
Image: Laurence Dixon was awarded an Australia Day OAM for his contribution to the lychee industry
Image: Ronald Bassan on military duties in Malaysia. Photo credit: A Battery Association Inc.
