Mr Adrian Gorman OAM

Balranald’s newest Order of Australia Medal recipient is Mr Adrian Gorman, who was announced in the 2024 Australia Day honors list.

Image: The Riverine Grazier / Kimberly Grabham.

By Kimberly Grabham

Mr Adrian John Gorman, a beloved member of the Balranald community, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the community of Balranald.

Balranald Australia Day Citizen of the Year recipient in 2019, Adrian has penned four books, two on his life and two books of stories.

The former owner of Willow Vale Farm, Adrian was founding Member of the Abercrombie Pumping Association, 1959-1967. He was the chairman of Balranald Heritage Trail Project Committee and of Honour Our Veterans from 2005 to 2018.

He is the current Deputy Chair of Balranald Inc.

Author of ‘Balranald boys of the skies: a tribute to the men and women of Balranald and all those who served to secure our freedom’, was self-published in 2005. He was a member of the Growing Business, Industry and Tourism Advisory Committee, Balranald Shire Council, 2020-2021.

Adrian was also chairman of the Australia Day Committee from 1984-1988, and chairman of the Balranald Schools History Project from 1975-1978. He was chairman of St Joseph's School Parent's and Friends committee during the 1960-1970's.

He was chairman of the Balranald Branch of Australia Country/National Party, 1964-1980.

He has performed a range of roles including committee member, fundraising, parishioner, and fete organiser at St Dympna's Church, many years.

Adrian was also the President of Balranald Golf Committee during the 1980s, President, St Joseph's Tennis Club during the 1960's, and President of the Balranald Lawn Tennis Club in the 1970's.

His wife Pat is extremely proud of Adrian, as is his family.

“The awards and the recognition are very well deserved, and it is true what they say; behind every good man is a good woman,” Pat laughed.

“I am very honoured to have received this wonderful honour, but there are many people who have helped me achieve this that do not get recognition, a lot of people in various committees, and in other ways that have helped, and I am very grateful to them all,” Adrian said.

“We are so lucky, the community of Balranald has always been so motivated, and always bands together.”