The Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau seen here with Nenagh-born Paul Scroope after she presented him with the Order of Australia Medal in April following his inclusion in the list for what is one of Australia's highest honours.

Nenagh man bestowed with one of Australia's highest honours

A NENAGH native living in Australia has been presented with a distinguished award in his adopted country for his contribution to the community, being included as one of those named in the Australia Day 2023 Honours List.

Back in February this newspaper reported that Paul Scroope was to be presented with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) “for services to the community through a range of organisations”.

Well, in April the Nenagh native, who emigrated to Melbourne in 1980, was honoured at the formal investiture ceremony where he was presented with the OAM for the great work he has been doing in Australia.

The Medal was presented to Mr Scroope for his work with organisations that provide pathways and assistance to disadvantaged, homeless, at-risk and marginalised people.

He was also included on the honours lists for his work in helping cancer research organisations bring together the collective expertise of leading researchers to advance the science and develop therapies for various cancers.

“I am honoured but also very humbled to get such recognition,” Mr Scroope (66), who was home on holiday in his native town in recent weeks, told The Guardian. “I’ll admit to some pride as an Irishman, and a Nenagh-man to boot, in achieving such an honour, but I am humbled to be recognised in this way.”