Community Leader Douglas Brenssell Honoured with King’s Medal

Douglas James Brenssell, a dedicated community member from Hāwea, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Service Medal for his extensive contributions over the past 25 years. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of his local community.

Receiving this honour has been a humbling experience for Mr. Brenssell, who stated, “You don’t do these things thinking somewhere along the lines I’ll get some big award. That’s not what it’s about; it’s about doing things for the betterment of the community and helping people.” His philosophy on community service is driven by a simple yet profound belief: “If you don’t put anything into anything, you don’t get anything back.”

Significant Contributions to the Hāwea Community

Mr. Brenssell has played a vital role in numerous initiatives. He served as a committee member and caretaker of the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, where he was instrumental in fundraising efforts that led to the centre’s expansion in 2011. Additionally, he has been active in the Hāwea Community Association and the Hāwea Picnic Racing Club. His involvement also includes being a founding member of the Hāwea Domain Board and the Upper Clutha Community Patrol.

For 16 years, Brenssell was part of the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade, serving as chief fire officer. His commitment to community service extended to volunteering with the Department of Corrections, where he helped individuals fulfilling community work sentences for over a decade. His efforts were recognized when he became the inaugural winner of the Hāwea Volunteer of the Year award in 2012.

One of his proudest achievements is founding an Anzac service in Hāwea. This annual event has grown significantly, attracting over 1,200 attendees last year. “Big towns don’t even get 1,000 people,” he noted, reflecting on the service’s impact. The event has become a gathering point for many, including visitors from nearby Wanaka.

Continuing His Dedication in North Otago

Now residing in North Otago, Mr. Brenssell continues to give back to the community as the caretaker at Five Forks School. His journey exemplifies the spirit of community service and dedication, making him a respected figure in the region.

Through his numerous roles and unwavering commitment, Douglas Brenssell has made a significant impact on the Hāwea community, proving that individual efforts can lead to meaningful change. His receipt of the King’s Service Medal not only acknowledges his contributions but also inspires others to engage in community betterment initiatives.