Mannum’s Barry Burdett, the ‘man who always says yes’, gets an OAM
A volunteer with the CFS, Lions Club, Lutheran Church, hospital and other organisations has been included on the King’s Birthday honours list.
This story is now free to read. Help Murray Bridge News tell more stories like this by subscribing today.
Mannum volunteer Barry Burdett has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the King’s Birthday honours, acknowledging more than five decades of dedicated service to the community.
For many people at Mannum, Mr Burdett is a familiar face.
Through the Country Fire Service, Lions Club, local health services, church activities and community projects, he has spent much of his life helping others and strengthening the town he calls home.
His wife, Joy, said Barry had always been willing to lend a hand.
“Barry always says yes whenever someone asks him for help,” she said.
“Even when we were on holidays, people would ring him and he would still say yes.”
Mrs Burdett said Barry’s commitment to the community had never really slowed down, even though he would be 81 this year.
“These days, when he comes home, he sits down on the lounge and is often asleep within minutes,” she said.
“But when someone asks for help, he still finds it hard to say no.”
Mr Burdett said he felt honoured to receive the award: “I guess it is very special.”
The couple received notification by email on May 22 that Mr Burdett would be awarded the OAM.
It was the couple’s 55th wedding anniversary that same day.
Mr Burdett joined the Country Fire Service in 1974 and has served in numerous leadership and operational roles over the past 50 years.
Over the decades, he has responded to more than 600 call-outs and assisted during major bushfire emergencies across Australia.
His commitment has been recognised with life membership, the National Medal second clasp and the SA Country Fire Service 50-Year Service Medal, awarded late last year.
His service extends well beyond emergency response.
A member of the Lions Club of Mannum since 2006, he has served in several leadership roles and continues to contribute through St Martin's Lutheran Church, the hospital health advisory council, BlazeAid, the Mannum Historical Society and the Mannum Dock Museum.
In 2022, Mr Burdett was named Mid Murray Council citizen of the year.
Asked what message he would like to share with the community, Mr Burdett’s answer was simple: “More volunteers are needed, please.”
