Lifelong Vasse resident Neil McDonald had extra reason to smile on Australia Day this year as a recipient of an Order of Australia medal for outstanding community service.

A tireless contributor in WA’s South West, Neil has played a key role in a range of local volunteer organisations and currently owns the Vasse General Store – part of Kleenheat’s LPG dealer network.

His long association with the Vasse Volunteer Bushfire Brigade ranges from support as a volunteer firefighter since the mid-1950s to more senior service roles, including President from 2013 – 2015.

Another passion of Neil’s is football, and following his younger playing days he transitioned into volunteer roles at the Busselton Football Club in the 1970s and is recognised with life membership at the club.

Neil’s Order of Australia medal also acknowledges valuable contributions to the Vasse Primary School and Sussex Landcorp Group.

While enormously proud to have been recognised at a national level for his influence in the Vasse region, Neil also highlighted the valuable support friends, family and peers along the way.

“I’ve been very lucky with the support behind me, you’ve got to have good people behind you; I have had that with my wife Gloria and committees I have worked with and we have had great times,” he said.

“I love to see things happen and you do these things because you like doing it.”

Neil’s a long-time member of our Kleenheat dealer network, well known across the Vasse region for going above and beyond to meet the needs of his household LPG and Kwik-Gas customers.

Kleenheat Business Representative, Peter Handgraaf, was delighted to congratulate Neil in person on his deserved recognition.

His impact in Vasse remains extraordinary and it’s great to see a member of Kleenheat’s dealer network recognised for enriching their local community.

The Order of Australia was introduced by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 to recognise individuals who’ve gone above and beyond in servicing and supporting others

On behalf of everyone at Kleenheat, congratulations Neil.

Neil McDonald AOM (General Division)

Shire of Busselton
Citizen of the Year – 1992

Vasse and Districts Community Centre Committee
President (1982-86, 2004 – present)

Vasse Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade,
President (2013-2015)
Fire Control Officer (2005-2011)

North Jingong Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
President & Captain (1970s)
Fire Control Officer (1988-2004 and 1978)

Volunteer Firefighter
(Since the mid-1950s)

Festival of Busselton
Committee Member
(1989 – present)

Busselton Football Club
Senior President (2000-01 and 1990-1994)
Junior President (1986-1990)
Committee Member (1971-1981)
Senior Life Member (1988)
Junior life Member (1990)

Parents and Citizens Association, Vasse Primary School
President & Committee Member (1977-1985)

Sussex Landcorp Group, Sussex Land Conservation District
Chair (1999-2003)
Vice Chair (2001-2002)
Land User Member (1996-2013)