Yet for a man with a great depth of knowledge and experience beyond that taught in any urban classroom, a shy and humble Mr Withers says he knows very little about why or how he received an OAM.

"I was very surprised, I'm not sure who does the appointment," Mr Withers said.

"I wasn't expecting anything, I was just doing what I like doing."

In addition to being the member, contributor and president of countless associations and community groups, what Mr Withers has been "doing" includes 40 years of service as chief warden of Flinders Island Airport.

"We've had lost aeroplanes and be searching for hours and hours, day and night for bodies and wreckage on the beaches," he said.

"Lot's of things have happened, I've still got my diaries but I'd have to go back through them."

Among all the highs and lows, Mr Withers said the biggest challenges have occurred while serving as justice of the peace.

Mr Withers attended over 350 court cases on the Island, before the hearings were moved to Launceston.

"The court cases were very, very hard because I'd know the people!" he said.

"It'd be tough if someone's drunk and you know them and they're calling you all kind of names but you've got to lock them up for the night," he said.

Despite the fanfare that comes with receiving an OAM, Mr Withers remains unfazed and said he was content to continue working on his farm and helping out where he can.

"I just help people out at different times - it doesn't mean anything to me," he said.