Moving to Moulamein from Sydney seven years ago Alan and Sue Fielding embraced rural living.

As Citizen of the Year, Alan has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the local area, most notably Moulamein and surrounds.

“Moving from Sydney to Moulamein you notice massive differences.” said Alan.

“We’re in a group of people that actually care about the community, whereas in Sydney, everyone’s out to get what they can, bugger everyone else, they do what they want to do.”

“Here it’s totally different. When you consider the fire brigade, and we had fires like I went to yesterday. There were more farmers and farm workers at the fire than there were firefighters, which means we control the thing quite easily, and there are no problems.”

“You wouldn’t get that in the city. You’d have 20 or 30 people come and take photos and look. That’s the big difference you find in living in a large city versus small town.”

Not long after moving to Moulamein, a chance meeting with China Gibson saw Alan invited to join the RFS.

“China invited me along to join the RFS. The first time was quite a big, hectic night. It was great and so I joined. A month or two later, Sue joined up as well.”

“I find it rewarding working with RFS. I’ve met so many people from around the district, and especially the guys in Deniliquin. You build a report with these people.”

“Even just the local people, when you attend the fire, they’re so grateful. People come up and “shake your hand and say thank you.” You don’t get that anywhere else, it’s fantastic.”

Through his dedication, Alan trained and qualified for both the RFS unit and the Road Crash Rescue Unit and also serves as President of the Moulamein RFS.

Beyond his leadership, Alan is a driving force behind the local Australia Day celebrations, organising the event over recent years.

Alan’s community involvement continues as an active member of the Moulamein Men’s Shed, where he helps organise the battery collection program to fund stocking our rivers with fish fingerlings. The Men’s Shed, under Alan’s involvement, also creates incredible red gum furniture and undertakes countless community projects that benefit the town and district.

Alan’s commitment to community service extends further. As a board member of the Moulamein Bowling Club, he not only provides governance but also steps in as a driver for the courtesy bus whenever needed. He also works for Home Support, driving buses to ensure residents can attend medical appointments outside of the district. Whether it’s transporting locals to Swan Hill for shopping or coordinating the Wakool Express Community Bus, Alan ensures that everyone in our region has access to essential services.

In his “spare time,” Alan channels his creativity into crafting wooden toys. Like a modern-day Geppetto, he makes beautifully handcrafted toys labelled “No Battery Required.” Every cent of the proceeds is donated to the Moulamein Public School P&C and the Breakfast Club, ensuring the next generation of kids has the necessary resources.

Alan and his wife Sue also contribute by running the BBQ at the local ConFest. All profits from their hard work go to various organisations in town, with any leftover food donated to the RFS.

“The first time we cooked the BBQ, we raised over $2,500 and we split money between the school P&C and the Wongi.”

“We source everything locally. We use Patterson’s butchers, and get everything else from the IGA in town. We use town people who want to come and help also.

“It’s hard work. Five days out there is pretty daunting, but it’s a lot of fun too.”

“We had a bloke tell me that he was a staunch vegan. We convinced him to buy one sausage sandwich. He came back and bought seven!” Alan said with a laugh.

Alan’s selflessness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to Moulamein exemplify the very essence of community spirit. He has made a lasting impact on so many lives and truly embodies what it means to give back.

“Winning the award, it’s not expected. You don’t do these things to win an award.”

“There’s probably 100 people in the area more deserving than me that should get an award, but they’re unknown. Hopefully, people will read some of the things that are in the papers and on the radio and start nominating a few people.”

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 23 January 2025.