Convincing John Ballestrino that his commitment to the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay communities over the past 40 years deserves recognition is no easy task.
The Seabrook resident has putting up his hand to fill vacancies on committees, raise money for community groups and helping get local projects off the ground since he was 13 years old.
On Monday, his dedication to serving the community was recognised with Governor General Peter Cosgrove announcing that Mr Ballestrino would be made a member of the Order of Australia as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours.
Mr Ballestrino says the award is not recognition for his community service over the years, but rather recognition for all the volunteers he has ever worked with.
“The award, it’s for every person that I have worked,” he says, “If they weren’t around none of this would of happened.
“I wish they could all receive replicas of the award.”
Mr Ballestrino has been involved in a variety of organisations in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay, ranging from the Altona Youth Group to the Laverton Magpies Football Club, where he is a coach, committee member and life member, and the Hobsons Bay Pirates Softball Club.
He also volunteers his time for school councils, the Royal Melbourne Hospital Dialysis Support Group, and Point Cook’s Relay for Life committee.
Mr Ballestrino says volunteering his time is something he just always seemed to do.
“I tend to just get involved,” he says.
“I just enjoy being a part of the community.”
