The Southern Community Media Association’s Ray Hazen has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Hazen has been the volunteer CEO for the regional community broadcasting organisation SCMA since the community radio station 2SCR he founded in the country town of Barham, folded in 2007 (see our report from that time)

After 15 years of broadcasting, Hazen was devastated at the time the station closed, but soon bounced back and was asked to turn his energies towards helping other regional stations strengthen their voice within the wider community broadcasting sector and with governments and regulators.

Appointed CEO of SCMA shortly after the closure of his station, he has become the powerhouse of that organisation and has expanded its membership and influence.

The SCMA awards now carry an award named after him, with Hazen being the first recipient. When the award was launched, SCMA President Graeme Macartney told radioinfo the organization developed incredibly over the last 5 years, mainly due to Ray Hazen’s tireless voluntary work and excessive hours dedicated to the SCMA:

“It is fitting to call this award the Ray Hazen Award and that Ray should be the first recipient. It is not unusual to receive an email from Ray at 1am and again at 6am with ideas and inspiration for us all. He has been dedicated to the sector for over 16 years and must be praised for his development of the SCMA over the last 6 years.

Hazen has been overwhelmed with comments on his Facebook page, and responded today: “Wow I am blown away by the response from everyone ……Once again that you all so very very much. I am truly fortunate to have so many great friends.”

Raymond Shane Hazen of Barham, NSW. OAM for service to radio broadcasting.