He was one of those honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

It was to mark his service to the metal testing industry, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and community work.

Despite his illness being at an advanced stage, Mr Sonneveld serves as NSW Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australian chairman and is an Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT) international delegate.

He is also a Melody Gardens Park Committee member.

Non-destructive testing involves precise observation and measurement to determine the presence of flaws in metals and materials.

Mr Sonneveld is one of two local people awarded the OAM this year. The other is Councillor Tony Bleasdale of Mt Druitt (see story page 3).

``I am very honoured to get the medal,'' Mr Sonneveld said. ``This is unbelievable as I grew up in a Housing Commission house with six brothers and four sisters.''

Mr Sonneveld now owns several properties, including a metal wire mesh factory at Bessemer Street in Blacktown.

``I am very pleased with the support given by Blacktown Council in the development of Melody Gardens into one of the best in the area,'' he said.

``Despite having won many awards, I am proudest to be a member of Melody Gardens Park Committee''.

Mr Sonneveld said that despite accepting that his time was limited, he had vowed to keep his commitment to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and other organisations.

His projects for 2010 include organising the foundation's fund-raising activities and attending the AINDT's 10th European Conference for Non-Destructive Testing in Moscow.

Other commitments include organising AINDT NSW annual dinner on July 24, Officer Training Unit NSW (national service army officers) dinner on July 17 and its 40th anniversary reunion visit to Scheyville on April 24.

Mr Sonneveld will attend a conference focusing on prostate cancer at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 6 to 8.