So it’s no surprise that they were both recognised with Medals of the Order of Australia in Monday’s King’s Birthday Honours for their service to the community of Tocumwal.
In the time they’ve been part of the community, for over 60 years, they’ve contributed to various organisations and institutions.
One of the most significant contributions recognised is with the Tocumwal Football Netball Club.
“We’ve just enjoyed it,” Mr Cullen said.
“We’ve worked with the footy club and it (service) has come naturally to us, playing and being involved with the club.
“You get just as much enjoyment out of it as you put into it.
“It is all worthwhile and is just part and parcel with being involved in the community.”
Both regulars at the club since the 1950s, Barb and Jim are life members and inaugural members of the club’s Hall of Fame, inducted in 2022.
After coming to Tocumwal, Jim played for 20 years before taking roles as a coach, on the committee as a general member, vice president and president for another two decades.
Winning five successive first 18 best and fairest awards from 1961 to 1965, the award was named the Jim Cullen Medal in 2016 in his honour.
And the iconic scoreboard at Tocumwal Recreation Reserve was also named the Jim Cullen Scoreboard in 1978.
A legendary contributor and supporter of the club in her own right, Barb held the positions of club treasurer, vice president and president of the club’s ladies’ social committee between 1974 and 1983. She also volunteered to cater for many club events.
The couple have also been heavily involved in other areas of the community.
They were members of the Tocumwal Tennis Club committee for 40 and 50 years respectively and the Tocumwal Sacred Heart Primary School parents and friends association.
They have been debutante ball instructors since 1975, and parishioners at St Peter’s Catholic Parish Tocumwal since 1957.
Mr Cullen said much of their service has come through family associations.
“We had different commitments to the primary school, swimming pools, church, because our children were involved.
“Our young bloke played a lot of football, so there was a bit involved with that.
“We also saw quite a few new debutantes through.
“We just got a lot of pleasure out of all of it, being part of the community.”
Receiving the national recognition on Monday, Mr Cullen said it was unexpected.
“Receiving this is something you’d never even think of. I was very surprised when they approached us to say that we’d be receiving this.”
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