Mr Somerville has plied the water’s of Melbourne’s ‘‘other’’ river for the past 32 years, becoming a staunch advocate for protection and recognition of its environmental and historic heritage.

It was for his service to commercial passenger boating and conservation that he wasbestowed the honour.

Mr Somerville, 76, said he was excited about his award.

Over the years, Mr Somerville’s passion for the environment and history, particularly of the west, has inspired him to be part of the Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley, the Keilor Historical Society, the Colonial Day Re-enactment Society, and the Friends of Sandy and the Australian Lighthorse.

He was a founding member of the Living Museum of the West and campaigned to save Pipemakers Park from development.

The hairs on the back of his neck standup when he hears people disparaging the west.

‘‘People are pretty quick in putting down the west. My answer to them is that if it wasn’t for the west there’d be no war effort in the Second World War,’’ he said.

Mr Somerville said his work with Blackbird Cruises and community groups went hand in hand.

‘‘Doing the river cruise with the boat I can keep my eye on what is going on along the tidal reach of the river from Canning Street [in Avondale Heights] down to the docks. It’s like having a pair of eyes out there for conservation.’’

On his cruises, he explains the rich history of the west, from the former ordnance factories to the ship building industry that flourished on the banks of the Maribyrnong.

He wants to see what’s left of it preserved.

‘‘It’d be wonderful if we could save more buildings along the river [in the Defence site]; we could showcase that history and it’s be a real drawcard.’'

’Full story in next Wednesday’s Maribyrnong Weekly in your letterbox, and online here.