Kenneth and Marjory Freeman receive Order of Australia Medals
Lalor Park’s Kenneth and Marjory Freeman have dedicated their lives to the service of Blacktown and their efforts were recognised when they made Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Blacktown
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blacktown. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Why Lily can’t play with other kids
- Tribute to footy club stalwart
- Martial arts class giving confidence
AFTER almost half a century of devoted service to Blacktown, Lalor Park’s Kenneth and Marjory Freeman will be duly recognised as recipients of the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division.
“We are so honoured. And it’s good we’re both receiving it, because there’s not much we don’t do together,” Mrs Freeman said.
Unrivalled in community activism, the couple, who also jointly won Blacktown Citizen of the Year in 2007, have devoted decades to improving the lives of others.
Their catalogue of involvement began with a campaign to install street lighting on their semi-rural street in 1966.
They were then involved in Clean Up Australia Day, the Cancer Council’s Blacktown Relay for Life, creating cancer support groups and Blacktown Council arts advisory committee.
Motivations for their volunteer work became personal in 1981 when Mrs Freeman was first diagnosed with breast cancer. After surviving that first battle with cancer, Mrs Freeman, now 76, returned to university to become a science teacher at Blacktown Boys High School.
The mother-of-two was supported by her husband Kenneth, now 78, who took leave from his corporate accounting job and learned to be a “stay-at-home mum”.
“It was new-age in those days,” Mr Freeman said.
“I had to learn how to be a working Mum and let me tell you, it isn’t easy.”
IN OTHER NEWS
Mrs Freeman’s battle with cancer went on to include two diagnoses and two separate mastectomies.
Despite approaches to run for Blacktown Council, neither of the pair has desired a position on council.
“I don’t get into the politics, we both don’t, but if you feel strongly enough about something, then you don’t have a choice,” Mrs Freeman said.
The Freemans work with Western Sydney Health Service’s Consumer Representative Committee which has grown to include 40 representatives since 2014.