By JESSE GRAHAM
A WANDIN North man’s fascination with footwear and passion for his community has earned him one of the top Australia Day honours, being today awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Andrew Johns Fraser, 74, was today (Tuesday) announced as an OAM recipient, “for services to the footwear retailing industry and his community” by the Governor-General’s office.
A member of many different groups over the years, Mr Fraser clocked up more than 20 years with the Lilydale Chamber of Commerce, as well as 22 years as a director of the National Footwear Retailers Association – where he also served as chairman and vice-chairman.
He told the Mail that he also spent 18 years in footwear manufacturing, then 32 more years in retail, working at Andrew’s Shoes – named after himself – with his two brothers until 2008.
He said the business was “thriving” until the 1970s, when the government of the time “opened the floodgates” to cheaper, overseas imports.
“We can do things just as well as anyone can overseas, it’s just that our costs are a bit higher,” he said.
Mr Fraser’s accolades extend far further than footwear, however – he was the Treasurer of the Answer Appeal committee for the Lilydale Bush Nursing Hospital, which helped to build the nursing home there.
He’s also been a committee member and volunteer manager at Wandin’s Golden Opportunity Shop since 2009, and a council member at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Seville, among other groups.
“It was fantastic to think that you put something back into your community,” he said, speaking of the Lilydale nursing home.
“I think, if you live in the community, you need to be involved with putting things back into the community – and that was one way to do it.”
Still working at 74, Mr Fraser said he spent his spare time in athletics, competing for East Burwood and Croydon in sprints, javelin and discus.
Though his accomplishments spoke for themselves, Mr Fraser said he was “staggered” when he found out about his OAM.
“I never considered myself to be in that category, but there you are,” he said.
“Never, in my wildest dreams, had I thought I’d ever get the (Medal of the)Order of Australia – to get it is a real thrill.”
As for his Australia Day plans, Mr Fraser said he would spend the day with family and friends, celebrating his son’s 30th birthday.
To nominate someone for an honour, or another award, visit www.gg.gov.au.
