GAWLER resident Jeff Turner received an Order of Australia Medal on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday for his service to community history.

Mr Turner has been a volunteer at the Gawler National Trust Museum for seven years and was delighted to receive the honour.

“Winning the award took me by complete surprise,” he said.

“My family were immensely proud and so am I.

“It is great to be able to provide people with pieces of living history within the museum.

“I love what I do because I am able to share my personal interest in history and historical things with the locals.”

In 2017, Mr Turner and museum librarian Anne Richards produced a book titled ‘This’ll Do’, a history of the reactions of a group of migrants who made Gawler their first stop in Australia, and for some their permanent home.

Mr Turner said the book was a success and went on to sell 120 copies.

“People came from all across the state to purchase the book,” he said.

“Some of the stories in the book are incredibly amazing.

“The inspiration for this project arose from a discussion I had with Robin Richter at the museum.

“Members of the Gawler Branch of the National Trust considered it to be an interesting project.”

Since then, the subject of migration-based programs have been offered to year two and five students from local schools.

The schools program focuses on the migration to Gawler, post-World War II, with an emphasis on the Willaston camps.

Mr Turner said the story began when America entered World War II and built a large heavy aircraft field in Gawler.

“This (aircraft) field is now home of the Gliding Club,” he said.

“What was so interesting is that many people of the people who occupied the Willaston camp decided to settle permanently in Gawler.”

Mr Turner will receive his award at Government House, Adelaide in September.