In 25 years of service to Queensland, Greg Hallam has visited every settlement across the state.
The head of the Local Government Association in Queensland estimates he has spent a total of five-and-a-half years away from home following the work he's described as a calling and a passion.
"It's not just a job," he said.
"The lines are pretty blurred between life and work."
Starting out in the Brisbane City Council in the late 1970s while still a student, Mr Hallam then shifted to a role in the federal treasury in 1983, before working through roles in the Esk Shire Council and in Townsville.
He took a job with the LGAQ a week after his 33rd birthday in 1992.
And for his significant service to local government administration, natural disaster recovery efforts and to people with disabilities the 58-year-old has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in the 2018 Australia Day honours.
"I'm delighted for the recognition," he said.
But the head of the peak body for local government in Queensland was quick to praise the hard work of people "on the ground", from elected officials to the staff that support them.
He's enjoyed the impartiality of the role and said some of the most satisfying moments came from working through issues with either side of the political divide.
The job has changed, for good and bad, due to social media and Mr Hallam said responses now have to be made and communicated much quicker than when he started out.
"You used to have time to think about things," he joked.
While the date of the celebration of Australia's national day has been surrounded by controversy recently, Mr Hallam said he was "very relaxed" about being honoured on January 26.
"I respect those who struggle with the date," he said, adding that he was "very conscious" of the pain celebrations on that day could cause some people.
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