Australia Day medal for David

Louisa Rust

Albion Park resident David Coburn will receive an Australia Day Achievement Medallion for his efforts campaigning for disability support services and his work with the Australian Tax Office.

The medallion is awarded to members of Australian government departments and agencies who have made a significant contribution to the nation, community or who have performed their core duties outstandingly.

“I didn’t even know about the medallion,” Mr Colburn said. “A couple of people from work nominated me.”

Mr Colburn was nominated for his work advocating for the disabled and carer support services, which included applying to the Paul Newman Foundation for funding for a bus for Peterborough School in Warilla, and campaigning in 2004 against the state government’s proposed changes to post-school options for disabled young people.

Mr Colburn, who has a disabled son, said more compassion needed to be shown to carers and people with disabilities.

“Anybody can become disabled through no fault of their own,” he said. “It can be there at birth or an accident.

“They deserve quality of life, particularly in this day and age, with all the money at federal and state levels, there’s no reason why the needs of the disabled and carers can’t be met.”

Mr Colburn was also nominated for the medallion for his loyalty towards staff at the tax office, and his willingness to support his team and pursue issues on their behalf.

“Whether I’m working or helping the kids, I’ve met a lot of decent people and I’m glad to have the opportunity to work with them all.”