Aston Brown
Anthony Henry received an official commendation from Southern Downs Regional Council on Saturday, May 11 to recognise his outstanding service to the tight-knit rural community of Karara.
The award was presented after the council received letters from the community describing many of his charitable actions. Local resident Ken Maynard then led the push to formally recognise his efforts.
“He comes and has a cup of tea, he cuts the wood for us, mows the grass, when I was in hospital he came and fed the horses for us,” Mr Maynard told The Town and Country Journal.
“He helps everyone around here, all the oldies, he drops in and checks on us once a week.”
A wood-cutter and sheep shearer by trade, Mr Henry moved to the Karara area in 2003. “I don’t think I really deserve this,” he said. “It was just the way I was brought up, my mum and dad, they helped everyone out, it’s just what you did, help people who are in trouble.”
Ellen Banditt lives in Karara. “He’s such a special person, nothing is too much trouble for him,” she said. “He gives us firewood, builds fences for me, anything.”
Mr Henry has also made a habit of checking in with elderly locals each week, dubbed by Mr Maynard as his “wrinkly run”.
“He comes up every Friday afternoon and has afternoon tea with us, I make sure I’ve always got a cake ready,” Ms Banditt said.
Local Chris Rickert said, “he does a lot for the district. If anyone needs a hand he always sticks his hand up and helps out, especially the old ones.”
“It’s more than money can buy, the sort of value he brings,” Sandy Kensbock said.
Cr Joel Richters presented the award to Mr Henry at the Karara Tavern and Motel. “I was overwhelmed by the letters that had been written to council in support of things that he’s done for the community,” Cr Richters said.
“I’m sure there's plenty of people across the Southern Downs that would be in similar situations. Hopefully we can get to recognise them on the behalf of their communities as well.”
