Alan Evers-Buckland was today (January 26) awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for Services to Life Saving, Charities and the Music Industry.
He said, “I want to dedicate this honour to my dad, who taught me to give back to my peers and the community. I wish he was alive to share this moment with us.”
In the music industry, Alan Evers-Buckland worked in multi-roles, including artist manager currently of singer songwriter Abbey Stone, media identity Gavin Wood and Grammy-winning US musician Charlie Musselwhite (Aust/NZ), venue booker, record producer, music journalist, community radio presenter, promoter, publicist, tour coordinator and one-time Australian production assistant of the Live Aid fund raiser. Evers-Buckland headed up the save The Palace live music venue strategy and court case.
He serves, or has served, as Director, Deputy Chair / Board Member of the Royal Life Saving Society Victorian Branch, & later years a Director / Board Member of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (National Branch) and President of the Altona Life Saving Club. He received the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Service Medal in 1997 & Life Membership of Altona Life Saving Club in 1994.
His charity work included serving as a volunteer with The Les Twentyman Foundation for at-risk youth, and as Ambassador for OzChild, as well as using his contacts to raise funds for football clubs, anti-suicide associations, road crews in crisis and political parties.
“It might have my name on it but it’s my team and close associates who really share this Honor with me”.
Greg Macainsh (Skyhooks), The Altona Life Saving Club, Geoff Howard, the late Jacki Geia, Richard Frankland, Con Sarrou, Joe Gualtieri, Adrian Barker, Abbey Stone, Mel Stone, Christie Eliezer, Gavin Wood, Frank Stivala OAM, Dr. Hanna El Khoury, Doreen Davies, Codrin Grad, Gary Kublik, The Connelly Twins, Clare Burton, Emily Fernandez, Mark Scott ESM, Kenny Burton, and Charlie & Henri Musselwhite.
“Greg Macainsh got me involved as a Director of Victorian Rock Foundation in the late 80s, developing singers, bands & songwriters, a role now taken on by Music Victoria.”
Today (January 26), Alan Evers-Buckland was hailed for his incredible support for First Nations artists and communities through the decades.
Prof. Richard J Frankland, musician, playwright and film maker, and former Royal Commission Officer with the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, emphasised that Evers-Buckland’s support for First Nations performers was about tapping their raw talent than working with them because of their colour.
“This journey for Alan began when he was on the Victorian Rock Foundation Board in the eighties, working with fellow Board member, the late Jackie Geia who had a long history of such work.
“The legacy in working with First Nation artists continues today with Alan’s work and his personal relationships”.
Alan Evers-Buckland combined his full-time job in music with his work in the Life Saving community at Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club his parents Doug (former President) and Joan were patrol members competitors and competition judge statewide at where Alan became involved through them helping out from the age of two at Life Saving events, right through to his teen days where he competed & patrolled for Williamstown, before moving to the Altona Life Saving Club in his late teens.. He also in his later years Alan stood for the State Seat of Williamstown in three elections.
“No one really knew I was leaving gigs at 4am and heading straight to my volunteer Lifeguard shift at Altona Beach or clubs that need extra help”.
“I’d sleep in the first aid room or under my desk every weekend or public holiday, as President you lead by example. As a Director of clubs, you made sure volunteers are fully funded with buildings, training and equipment. “
“I also dedicate my OAM to the team at Altona, this is for you and those endless rainy days on patrol.”
“My next mission is focusing on Suicide Prevention with the Dr Hanna El Khoury and his family foundation. “
The El Khoury family, with help from Doug Heywood OAM (Conductor) & Stephanie Nemaric (Psychologist) are developing events, websites, and support mechanisms with a fantastic Williamstown IT group Digital Innovations.
“The El Khoury family is also taking the work globally, we are building kindergartens in Fiji; we have two soccer balls signed and given to Alan by Rod Stewart to auction off this year to raise money for Top Blokes, El Khoury Family Foundation & the Fiji Project”.
Alan Evers-Buckland January 26, 2024
Dates & Details
Music
- Owner/Artist Manager, ASMusic, current.
- Board Member, Victoria Rock Foundation, 1989-1995.
- Former Music Show Presenter, 3WRB Sunshine.
- Music Writer, The Western Times, 1980s.
- Former Australian Production Assistant, ‘Live Aid’ fundraiser.
Royal Life Saving Society – Victorian Branch
- Director and Board Member, since 2016.
- Deputy Chair, 1998-2003, and since 2018.
- Director and Board Member, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2018-2019.
Altona Life Saving Club
- President, 1991-2003.
- Life Member, 1994.
Wonthaggi Life Saving Club
- Member, since 2019.
- Special Projects Officer, New Building.
Community
- Member, CityWest Water Community Consultation Board, 2002-2004.
- Former Volunteer, Les Twentyman Foundation.
- Oz Child Ambassador, 2011-2015.
- Co-Producer, ‘Dog Aid’ fundraiser, Footscray Football Club, 1989.
- Former Chair, Arts Committee, Victorian Liberal Party.
Awards and Recognition include:
- Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Service Medal, 1997.