Despite her immense local contribution, Esme Rash was stunned to be named in the King’s Birthday honours as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the community of Yarram.
She was “dumbstruck” by confirmation of the news, after dismissing the initial notification message as a scam.
“It’s nothing extra for me to do the things I do because I thoroughly enjoy doing them,” Esme said.
Originally from Yarram, she left at the age of 12 during WWII, returning in 1987 with her husband and settling on an old family farm, the pair going on to agist cattle.
With the kids grown up, she soon found herself volunteering, joining the Yarram Genealogy Group where she continues to be the secretary, having served many years in that role, and at one stage being president.
Her involvement with the group ties in well with being part of the Yarram & District Historical Society, her interest in history also having led her to the Port Albert Maritime Museum where she was a long-term secretary and is a Life Member.
”I love being able to show people things and do things for them,” she said of the enjoyment she gets from helping people piece together their family history or learn about the past of Yarram, Port Albert and surrounds.
Esme is a Life Member of Yarram Football Netball Club, her initial involvement sparked by the fact her grandson played there, being a keen football follower also helping.
She was renowned as the ‘lolly lady’, preparing mixed bags of sweet treats to sell to kids, and no doubt some adults, on game days, still having wonderful memories of the pleasant lolly smell filling her spare room as matches approached.
Esme managed the club’s canteen for 17 years, her devotion to excellence acknowledged with an Outstanding Service Award.
She joined the Yarram Cemetery Trust in 2005, later being its Chairperson for a decade until last year.
While her contribution is undoubtedly celebrated within her community, Esme was concerned not to be portrayed in too much of a glowing light.
“I’m just an old chook who thoroughly enjoys what she does,” she said, surprised but chuffed to get the recognition she has.
