From this prestigious nomination, now to the eventual receipt of the Medal of the Order of Australia, the honour reflects Mr Tehan’s lifetime of dedication.
Mr Tehan has been actively engaged in many community roles over the years, serving as the director of the Goulburn Valley Health board since 2017, chair of GOTAFE from 2007 to 2017 and commissioner of Strathbogie Shire Council from 1994 to 1997.
Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League and the Rotary Club of Euroa, alongside being a senior partner at legal firm Tehan, George & Co since 1973.
His dedication and commitment to community development even saw him recognised as the Regional Lawyer of the Year by the Law Institute of Victoria in 2012.
When asked about balancing multiple roles simultaneously, Mr Tehan said he couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support from his wife and family, practice partners, staff and various levels of management.
When reflecting on his journey, Mr Tehan takes pride in moments of strong leadership, particularly in advocating for expanding community services at GV Health or navigating changing government policies with GOTAFE.
In one instance, for example, this ultimately led to the recognition of the impact of drought on local communities.
Mr Tehan views the acknowledgement not only as a personal achievement but also as a validation of the importance of community organisations. He emphasised that the honour extended beyond the individual, recognising the community’s collective efforts.
Mr Tehan offered simple yet powerful advice for those aspiring to make a difference: “Have a go!”
Emphasising the importance of seizing opportunities, Mr Tehan encouraged everyone to contribute to the fabric of their community, urging people to speak out and take action.
