Almost 40 years of volunteer work by Alexandra’s David (Dave) Ramsay across Central has been recognised with a King’s Service Medal (KSM) in the New Year Honours List.

Dave said he was notified a few weeks ago and it was a total surprise.

“I was a bit blown away by it.

“It is for the cumulation of over 30 years of [different] things including the Lions.”

Dave said he had an internal and low key celebration with friends and club members but despite it being understated, it was special to him.

His family and friends were thrilled with “the significant acknowledgement” he said.

“I spent the next day on gate duty at the Omakau Races and quite a few people had read about it, and I got all these hugs on the gate.

“That was a bit of an embarrassment. We were blessed with the weather though, it was so good I got sunburnt.”

Dave was a member of the Alexandra Jaycees service club from 1985 to 1995, during which time he personally convened 20 community and chapter projects, which included associated events for the Alexandra Blossom Festival and organising the region’s Nissan

Young Driver contest.

He has been involved in the Alexandra Lions Club as a member since 1995, and served as president from 2001 to 2002.

Through his involvement with Jaycees and Lions, he has contributed to fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for community causes, including Friends of Dunstan Hospital, Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade, St John and the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust.

He was the convenor of the Alexandra Easter Bunny Hunt event, which raised more than $250,000 for the community over 20 years.

He has organised catering for the Otago Cavalcade Horse trek and numerous other community events.

He was on the Terrace School Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2001, with two years as chair.

Dave has also volunteered as a funeral celebrant since 2011.

Dave was a judge at the Dunstan Kahui Ako speech competition for pupils in Year 4 to 6 last year. PHOTO: The Central App

Dave is described by locals as someone who is always prepared to put his hand up to help, whether it's on the gate at the Omakau races or being Santa. 

He said the remainder of January was going to be a time for some rest and relaxation.  

The Central App will publish a story on another local recipient Dawn Sangster later this week.

The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) was renamed the King’s Service Medal (KSM) on May 3, 2024 and recognises and rewards volunteer service to the community and also public service in elected or appointed public office.

Read more: Nadia Lim and husband among new years honours from rural community

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