The Burke Museum is excited to announce the latest additions to the permanent collection, honouring the late David Aloysius Patrick McKenzie-McHarg, L.I.B, O.B.E.
McKenzie-McHarg served on the Council of the United Shire of Beechworth for more than a decade during the 1960s and 70s, including seven years as president. He was renowned as a public speaker and played a significant role in the community.
In recognition for his outstanding achievements and services rendered to the Beechworth community, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976.
The McKenzie-McHarg family has kindly donated the OBE medal and accompanying letters, invitations and photographs detailing his experiences attending functions and events as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Burke Museum would like to thank the family for generously presenting these wonderful items to the collection.
Mayor Jenny O'Connor said this is a key addition to the Burke Museum's collection. "McKenzie-McHarg's acceptance into the Order of the British Empire represents recognition of a lifetime of community and political service in Beechworth and Indigo Shire," Cr O'Connor said.
The medal and associated documents will form a key part of the Shire's Civic and Community collection. It is the first medal of its kind accepted by the Burke Museum.
