He was one of two Canterbury Bankstown residents who received an OAM, the other being Lakemba community volunteer Hasna Ahmad.
Though picking up awards at the Australian International Movie Convention in 2007 and 2014 as winner for the Best Suburban Cinema in his capacity as general manager at Cremorne Orpheum Theatre, Paul retired in 2019.
He looks back fondly on his career managing the movie houses owned by TV personality Mike Walsh and his company Hayden Theatre Pty Ltd.
“My love of movies started when my parents took me as a child to see ’20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ at Padstow Star Theatre,” he said.
“The world outside seemed like a dull place after that and I knew movies were going to take care of me.
“I celebrated many achievements working in cinemas and getting the cinema houses to look their best.
“I am tremendously humbled by this award and still love my movies, especially the older classics.”
A tireless volunteer who was named Lakemba Woman of the Year in 2017, Hasna Ahmad received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community of Lakemba.
A community volunteer since 2012, she has contributed her time and passion to Wiley Park Public School and Belmore Boys High School’s P & C committees, Metro Assist, Environment@Lakemba and more, receiving many service awards and certificates of appreciation for her efforts.
She was named NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Retired theatre boss ‘grateful’
TRULY astonished is how Padstow’s Paul Dravet felt when told he had been awarded the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) for service to movie theatre administration.