General News
12 February, 2025
Arts stalwart honoured with OAM
Debbie Boutcher never expected an award for doing what she loves.
But on Australia Day, January 26, she was shocked to learn she had been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to the arts and the community.
“It was a huge surprise,” Ms Boutcher said.
“You don’t do it for rewards – you do it because you have a passion for it.”
She still didn’t know who had nominated her.
“I spoke to a couple of people who I thought it might have been, and they said no,” she said.
“So I really have no idea.”
Ms Boutcher has been part of Horsham Arts Council (HAC) since 1968.
Her love for theatre started as a child when her grandmother took her to a local show.
At 13 she performed in the first Victorian amateur production of the musical 'Oliver'.
Over the years she took on many roles and later became a director.
In May 2025 she will direct her 10th production, ‘The Last Ten Years’, which will mark the arts council’s 60th anniversary.
Her passion for the arts runs in the family.
Her grandfather led a dance orchestra, her mother was a singer and now her daughter and son-in-law are involved with the arts council too.
Ms Boutcher has been a life member of HAC since 2020, but before becoming a part of the council she spent 12 years as a victim assistance worker, supporting people affected by violent crime.
Before that, she worked in foster care and welfare for 20 years.
Her award recognises both her artistic contributions and her work in the community.
When she received the email about the award from the secretary to Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, she was stunned.
“I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone until it was announced,” she said.
“But I did tell my son and daughter so they wouldn’t be as surprised as I was.”
Later this year she will travel to Government House in Melbourne to receive her medal.
Despite the recognition, Ms Boutcher remains focused on the arts and encouraged others to join.
“It’s a great way to meet people,” she said.
“HAC is an outlet for anybody.
"You can play your part backstage if not out the front.
“You can make friends for life.”
Now, after all her years of giving to the community, the community is celebrating her.