Mr Dye was recently named in the Queen's Birthday 2022 Honours List as a recipient of an Order of Australia Medal for his decades of service with Albury and Border Rescue Squad.
The Howlong resident was “humbled and blown away” by the recognition having been involved in a number of land operations and rescue diving for some 40 years.
Close friend and VRA associate Peter Wright OAM said Mr Dye was very deserving of his recognition. The pair have a combined 80 years of rescue diving experience and have tirelessly advocated the message of safety around the Murray River.
“Stuart’s a great friend and a wonderful member of our community,” Mr Wright said.
“He’s like a brother to me. We’ve worked together for a number of years in some pretty ugly situations.
“He certainly deserves to be recognised for his remarkable contribution to the VRA and the surrounding community.”
Mr Dye, who has been of ill health recently, thanked everyone who turned up to celebrate him last Saturday.
“I was very surprised!” he told The Free Press.
“There are family and friends here from Albury, Narrandera, Howlong and Corowa. I’m blown away and very grateful for the support.
“Pete (Wright) and I have worked together for a number of years in difficult and trying circumstances under the river. He’s a great friend.”
