Role model for young people Teamwork makes the difference

Jack has tirelessly contributed to many different areas of the community over the years.

This includes the Moyola Aged Care Committee, which he has been involved with for more than 40 years. He was involved in the facility from the beginning, including six years as committee president.

Jack was also involved in Tatura Milk Industries, representing his fellow dairy farmers as a director for more than 17 years, including two terms as chairman.

He is a current supporter of Tatura Football Netball Club, where he takes a lead role with the club’s involvement in International Dairy Week and is in charge of the breakfast catering which is a major fundraiser for the club.

Jack is also a life member of the Tatura Apex Club, where he gave 11 years service; an active member of Shepparton Probus Club; and has volunteered many hours to different fundraising activities in Tatura.

Jack said he was humbled to be the town’s Citizen of the Year.

“I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction out of serving the community,” he said.

“Tatura is a great little town and has a lot going for it.”

The Byrneside resident is this year’s Tatura Senior Citizen of the Year.

The Byrneside Hall Committee has greatly benefited from her volunteer work over the years, with Thelma involved in three milestone celebrations — the 90th, 100th and 125th birthdays. She was also secretary of the hall committee from 2005 to 2013.

She is well-known for her organisation and coordination of musical items, and is perhaps best remembered for writing, directing and providing the musical accompaniment for the Cinderella play as part of the hall’s 90th birthday party.

Thelma was involved in negotiations for grants to upgrade and maintain the Byrneside Hall, and organised the agenda for the Byrneside annual Christmas celebration.

Byrneside’s tennis club, primary school and community cancer fundraising committee have also benefited from Thelma’s hard work. She has also been a member of Rodney CWA and Tatura Rotary Club, and volunteers with the Anglican church.

In accepting her award, Thelma said the win was “totally unexpected”. “No-one ever achieves a positive outcome on their own. Everyone needs to work cooperatively to achieve their goals,” she said.