Bundaberg community leaders nominated in prestigious Australia Day award

New OAM recipients Bundaberg doctor Andre Conradie and larrikin Gin Gin stalwart Charles Garwood reveal what it means to them to be an Australian. VIDEO

Two outstanding community leaders, based in the Bundaberg region, are to receive OAMs for their contributions to their field in this year’s Australia Day awards.

Interventional cardiologist and director of the coronary care unit at Friendlies Hospital Andre Conradie has been nominated for the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia for his extensive work into improving the accessibility of life saving heart treatment.

Originally from South Africa, Dr Conradie moved to the Bundaberg region in 2004, when there was nothing in the area for treating heart related health issues.

Over the 21 years of living in the region, Mr Conradie has been instrumental in developing the cardiac care service and pace maker program, which now engages in more than 1000 life saving procedures a year.

“We used to fly them out to Brisbane,” he said.

Now “people get to be treated around their family,” which he said plays a significant role in improving patient health outcomes.

Heart disease remains the most common cause of death for humans across the globe. Having a state of the art facility, specifically treating heart disease, means Dr Conradie, along with the six other cardiologists working at the hospital, are “saving lives on a daily basis.”

A reality that the father of five, is extremely proud of.

The second nominee from the region is Charles Garwood of Gin Gin.

The 77-year-old first learned of his nomination for the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia on January 8, 2025 after receiving a letter that he’d been nominated.

Mr Garwood and his partner, Annie, were sworn to secrecy until the Australia Day ceremony on Sunday. Something that Annie said has never been an easy task for Charles.

“We couldn’t keep the smile off our faces the whole weekend” after finding out, Mr Garwood said.

It is a “relief to be able to tell someone,” he said.

Charles Garwood, Gin Gin, has been nominated for the prestigious OAM .

The 77-year-old is being honoured for his significant contributions to the community and emergency response organisation in the general division of the OAM.

“It’s the highest one [award] you can give to an idiot like me,” Mr Garwood said.

Among his extensive volunteer history is more than 57 years for emergency services, including the ambulance services, and the rural fire brigade in Tirroan and Gwandalan/Summerland Point, NSW.

Charles Garwood (front red helmet), and colleagues from the Rural Fire Department.

Mr Garwood, a grandfather of 12, currently volunteers his time as an educator at Wallaville State School, where he teaches religious studies, woodwork, and acts as first aid officer at school camps, and volunteers as a tai chi instructor in his spare time.

When Mr Garwood first relocated with his family of four, from regional NSW to Gin Gin more than 30 years ago, he said there was no reliable fire service operating in the area. It was something he and Annie helped develop over the years.

Charles Garwood, Gin Gin.

For the London born, grandfather, his commitment to community has always been about building legacy, and passing on the life skills he learned as a boy growing up in post-war England, specifically for the youth within the community.

Four generations of the Fire Brigade, Annie, Charles Garwood, son Daniel and grandson Matthew.

The 77-year old is aware of the challenges facing youth in regional areas today, he hopes to instill a spirit for community “before I go under,” he says.

“We make time to teach the kids,” he said.

“My aim has always been to make a difference.”