By Amanda Murthy
Former Catholic Education Western Australian (CEWA) Director Ronald Patrick Dullard AO has always been a firm believer that “if you belong to a community or group, it is only right that you contribute your skills and talents to the best of your ability”.
It is this drive and determination that has earned him one of the 59 prestigious recognitions of Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia – announced recently on 26 January 2020 – for his distinguished service to education in Western Australia to local government and to the community.
Mr Dullard, who worked tirelessly since he retired from the Australian Air Force back in 1969 to pursue a career in the education field, credits his initial drive and passion for serving the community to two things he most values: his Catholic faith and support earnt from his family.
“Faith has always been an integral part in my life from an early age – my mother was a staunch Catholic and made sure my brothers and I were active members of St Brigid’s Church [Midland Parish], and although she passed away when I was 11 years old, the values and beliefs she instilled never left me,” Mr Dullard said.
“When I got older, I naturally joined several parish groups, which helped me learn a lot and see the need in the communities I would eventually get involved with.
“Looking back, I can say that my inspiration has always been to try as best I could to live out the Gospel message of Christ.
“Having an amazing wife who shares the same values and beliefs, has led us to work in partnership, in achieving our mission,” he added.
The Order of Australia recognised many of Mr Dullard’s long term contributions and several groups which he remains actively involved with.
The achievements listed include, Board Member of Midland Technical College (1980s), 15 years of service in the local government which prompted the birth of the Hills Community Support Group (now RISE Network) – which he co-founded with his wife Helen Dullard OAM in 1983, and further involvement in his local community.
Mr Dullard also held the position of President of the Mundaring Shire Council from 1992 to 1997.
Mr Dullard never stopped sharing his generosity with the public. He took on the responsibilities of being a Board Member at the St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School (1970s), La Salle College in Midland (1980s), before becoming Principal at Xavier College (1985 to 1990).
His biggest contribution to CEWA would be as Director and Deputy Chair to the Catholic Education Commission of WA, officially retiring after 10 years in 2013.
With many more accomplishments under his belt, Mr Dullard shared some wise words from his late father that helped him throughout his life and career.
“My father told me that your word is your bond – do what you said you would despite the challenges and sacrifices you may have to make in order to achieve them,” Mr Dullard cited.
“Always leave a lasting impression – My dad would say, be so good that when you leave a job, your employers would always want you back.
“And finally, as the Gospel of Matthew states: ‘Do unto others as you have others do unto you’. This one is hard to practise but it’s always worth trying,” he concluded.
The Order of Australia award will be formally presented at a ceremony this April.