A longtime Bungendore resident and woodworker, Mr MacLaren has been awarded an Honorary OAM.

When he began woodwork in 1973, it was a quiet, sometimes lonely pursuit.

It’s been a long road, and the craft is still fairly niche, so seeing his work recognised has been very rewarding for Mr MacLaren.

“I was elated, absolutely elated,” he said.

“Towards the end of your career and getting a bit older, and things are quietening down, it’s very very welcome indeed, really quite a lift.”

Originally from New York City, Mr MacLaren has lived in Bungendore for the past 40 years.

In 1983 he founded the Bungendore Woodworks Gallery of which he is Artistic Director. The gallery seeks to exhibit and promote Australian made wood art, sculpture, craft and furniture.

During his time in Bungendore, he has been involved in a range of community organisations, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Town Centre and Environs s.355 Committee.

In 2005, he was a founding member of the Bungendore Community Foundation.

He enjoys the sense of community connection that comes with living in a smal town like Bungendore.

“It’s a very sustaining kind of environment, where people support you and you support them,” Mr MacLaren said.

“It’s just wonderful to know people from a long people of time, and a lot of history.”