Murray Haynes has lived a life in service of Tocumwal.
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And it’s for this service to the community that he has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division as part of the 2025 Kings’ Birthday Honours.
With service to Tocumwal spanning well over 70 years, Mr Haynes has been a part of many things within the community and has done so for a lifetime.
Mr Haynes was quick to thank his immediate family, who played a big role in shaping him as a community figure.
“Firstly, I feel very honoured and privileged to receive this honour,” he said.
“I would like to make mention of my parents.
“They were great, great parents, who did a great job raising us children.
“Also, without the help of my wife Alma, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Mr Haynes has a long list of accolades and experiences in the service of the Tocumwal community.
He was awarded Citizen of the Year for Berrigan Shire Council in 2001and received a commendation award from the NSW Fire Brigade in the 1990s, both recognising his impact on the community.
Mr Haynes has had roles with several Tocumwal community organisations across the years including the Tocumwal Volunteer Fire Brigade from 1960 to 1994.
He was a St Peter’s Catholic Parish former committee member and current parishioner, a former president of the Tocumwal Sacred Heart Primary School Parents and friends Association, a former trustee of the Tocumwal Recreation Reserve, a past member of the St Vincent De Paul society and a former owner of Haynes Butchery.
On the sporting front, he is a life member of the Tocumwal Cricket Club, a Tocumwal Football Club member, and a former umpire in the Murray Football League and Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association.
But it does not stop there.
Mr Haynes identified two other groups he has had a particularly long-lasting relationship with.
A major fixture of the Tocumwal Race Club for as long as many people can remember, Mr Haynes is a Tocumwal Race Club life member and has been a member of the club since 1955.
A former track manager, Mr Haynes was also a committee member from 1970 to 2022.
He served as vice president from 1994 to 2002 and president from 2002 to 2022, and was organiser of the Tocumwal Race Club’s 150th Anniversary Dinner in 2021.
“The Race Club played a pretty important role in my life. I’ve always been a horse lover,” he said.
“Actually, 100 years ago in the 1920s, my grandfather was president of the Race Club.
“Racing is in our blood. I also enjoyed some success as a hobby breeder.”
Mr Haynes also had a long association with the Tocumwal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
As a business owner, he was an active member from 1960 to 2008 and a life member of the organisation.
Mr Haynes has spent much of his life focusing on business in Tocumwal.
“I’ve always felt it was important to try and promote the progress of the town,” he said.
“I feel as a member of the community you have to take an interest in it, as I think what you put into it, you get out of it.
“As a member of the Tocumwal Chamber of Commerce, a lot has happened in the town.
“We lost the flour mill, which employed over 60 people.
“Another thing was also the closure of the railway, which was quite a disappointment for the town.
“However, the move towards tourism in the subsequent years and to promote visitors has kept the town quite a vibrant place that you can see today.”
Saying he was “humbled and thankful” for the OAM recognition, Mr Haynes also said it wasn’t something he ever thought about.
“I was just involved in the community and in business. You only get out of the town what you put into it,” he said.
“I’m happy to be part of the groups as part of the community.
“It is definitely a long period, and I’m eight months away from turning 90.
“It is many years and dedication, but I couldn’t have done it without my supportive wife.
“All I can say is I just enjoyed being involved.”