Quiet Achiever Honoured With Service Award

Michael McLees was posthumously honoured for decades of dedicated community service in Blackmount
He gave 38 years to the local fire group and helped establish key community assets
Southland leaders praised his selfless service and lasting impact on local morale

Michael McLees, a well-known figure in the Blackmount community, has been recognised posthumously with a Community Service Award for his lifelong dedication to service. The award was presented by the Southland District Council and the Tuatapere Te Waewae Community Board, with family members accepting it on his behalf.

Mr McLees, who passed away last year, was known as a “quiet achiever” who made a big impact without seeking recognition. His family has farmed the Dunluce property in Blackmount for more than 125 years, and each generation has been known for its community commitment.

Southland Mayor Rob Scott said, “We are here not only to present a Community Service Award, but to honour someone who truly embodied the spirit of service. Michael sounds like he wasn’t the kind of person who sought the spotlight, in fact, he probably would’ve preferred we skipped the speeches and got straight to the working bee. But today is about remembering and celebrating his contributions.”

Mr McLees served with the Blackmount Fire Group for 38 years, taking on roles such as deputy fire chief and secretary. Although some earlier records were lost, recent records show he attended 84 callouts and 390 training sessions since 2009, giving him a remarkable 97.5% attendance rate. He was honoured with the Gold Star Award, along with Long Service and Good Conduct medals.

In addition to firefighting, Mr McLees played a key role in many local projects. He helped develop the Blackmount Pool through his work with the pool committee and served on the Blackmount School Board of Trustees. He also followed in his mother’s footsteps by serving on the Blackmount Chapel Committee.

From 1998 to 2015, he ran the Friday Night Club, which became an important social gathering for farmers and a boost for community morale.

“Michael was described as a ‘quiet achiever’, someone who leads by example, says very little, but when he does it’s worth listening to, and always shows up when needed,” said Mayor Scott.

“His presence at working bees, fundraisers, and community events has been a constant source of support to the Blackmount community. Michael’s legacy isn’t just in the buildings he helped build or the fires he helped fight, it’s in the community he helped build through his willingness to help. May his example continue to inspire us all to serve, to show up, and to care.”