Neil Warren OAM

Bicycle Network is thrilled to congratulate life member and legendary volunteer Neil Warren on receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) during Australia Day honours last week.

Neil is an integral part of the Bicycle Network team and is someone who gives his time and energy without ever hoping for something in return, and that’s why we are so glad he has been recognised.

If you're one of the more than 10,000 riders that has had lunch at a Peaks Challenge event, you've had lunch from a Neil Warren site. The same can be said if you've had a meal at one of our previous Escapades in Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales or even New Zealand! Just last weekend he was volunteering throughout the wee hours at Ride the Night.

It's not just the Bicycle Network community that Neil serves however, he is also hugely dedicated to the community around his hometown of Inverloch in south-eastern Victoria. For 37 years he has been a member of the Leongatha Lyric Theatre, including stints as President and Treasurer. He has also been an SES volunteer for almost 20 years.

Speaking to the South Gippsland Sentinel-Times, Neil showed his humility and acknowledged others before himself.

“I was a bit surprised when I received the letter and I found out. There are so many people around the district who do so much for the community,” Neil said.

“There are a lot of other people who do heaps in the community; I’m just one of many.”

After first coming on the RACV Great Victorian __bike Ride as a school teacher, Neil has been volunteering as part of the team since 2007. Starting as a riding volunteer, and quickly becoming team leader the following year, he has consistently brought his energy, personal flair and amazing ability to bring people together to our events since then. 

Neil is known not only for all his hard work, but also because he truly cares about others. He is a great supporter of his team, and consistently has volunteers coming back to work with him for another week. He also supports new team leaders in any way he can, providing advice, guidance and sharing all his learnings. It would also be fair to say that Neil adds a certain flair to the team. With a penchant for wearing his tails and top hat with no excuse necessary, he always brings a smile to others. 

Neil, thank you for everything and congratulations on this just recognition of everything you do.

Neil Warren (front) taking break of his own at a lunch stop.