By Bronwyn Hastings

Horsham’s Don Papst has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal, OAM, in the general division of the 2024 King’s Birthday honours.

Recognised for his service to the community of Horsham in music, Mr Papst has provided a soundtrack to a myriad of Horsham and district events for more than 70 years, and has a full social calendar to this day.

He plays regular gigs at Cancer Council fundraising dances, Haven market with band Key Change, and singalongs for the ‘oldies’ at nursing homes.

He has also supported Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham for 60 years in music, ushering and maintenance, and been a member of the Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall committee for 20 years.

“I love it – I can’t say no to anybody, it’s been a very busy life,” Mr Papst, aged 90, said.

He has performed solo or with bands at weddings, fundraisers, debutante balls and old-time 60-40 dances, playing the accordion, mouth organ, piano, and piano accordion – all by ear.

“I started playing the accordion when I was seven,” he said.

“My mother tried to teach me how to read music, but I just couldn’t.”

Mr Papst has been surrounded by music all his life – his mother played piano as a hobby, his father was a member of the ‘Merrymakers Orchestra’ band, and played side drum in the Horsham pipe band.

Mr Papst joined the pipe band around the age of 10, but did not enjoy the strong sound of the bagpipes.

As a teen, he enjoyed playing both accordion and harmonica, as well as dancing.

He taught his fiancé Val how to waltz and the Pride of Erin in preparation of their 1956 wedding.

The couple’s five sons had piano lessons, about the same time Mr Papst received lessons to play the McPherson Street Lutheran Church organ, which he did for two years, but more enjoyed playing the keyboard downstairs among the congregation.

“I do find it encouraging when people dance, tap their feet or sing to my music,” Mr Papst said.

His passion for entertaining and music continues – he has a ukelele in the cupboard that he would like to master ‘one day’.

Mr Papst had challenges in his young life – born during the Great Depression, losing an infant sibling, working three part-time jobs as a mechanic, taxi driver and school bus driver at the same time to equate to a full-time job, all in-between music gigs.

Later, he suffered the loss of two sons to cancer, followed by the death of his wife two years ago.

Music has been one of Mr Papst’s greatest, consistent pleasures in life, with the recognition of an OAM coming from very little hardship.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed playing music, and the company of the people I’ve got to know along the way,” he said.

“I reckon it’s an honour, really, an honour for an old bloke like me.

“But I’ll just keep going – I won’t stop.”

Mr Papst will attend an investiture ceremony at Government House in coming months to receive the insignia of his award.

The Australian honours and awards system recognises outstanding service and contributions of Australians from across the country and all walks of life.

The system gives the nation a chance to celebrate and acknowledge those who work tirelessly to improve local communities and to make Australia a better place.

Typically, recipients have not sought thanks or recognition, but deserve both.

OAM for councillor

Southern Grampians Shire councillor Mary-Ann Brown, of Dunkeld, was also awarded an OAM for services to local government and the communities of Dunkeld and Hamilton. 

A councillor since 2016, including mayor for three years, Mrs Brown has also been Rural Councils Victoria chairperson since 2019. 

Community groups Mrs Brown has served include Dunkeld Progress Association, Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Sterling Place Dunkeld Community Centre, Dunkeld Writers Festival Committee, and Dunkeld Tourism Committee.

Anyone can nominate an Australian for an Order of Australia award by visiting www.gg.gov.au.