February 8 - 14, 2023
Keeping history alive
By BELINDA HARRISON
JOHN Taylor has been proud to call Myrtleford home for 51 years after being posted to the Myrtleford High School in January 1972. Born in Tatura, he was educated at the local state school and Shepparton High School before heading off to university and teaching in Castlemaine and Alexandra. With a country upbringing, John’s appointment to what is now the Myrtleford P-12 College would have felt like putting on a comfortable, familiar pair of shoes and he certainly embraced the life and people of the area, becoming a senior teacher in 1977 and assistant principal in 1989 before retiring at the end of the 2001 school year. “It is very gratifying, after a 30 year teaching career here, that I am still able to regularly catch up with old students who willingly share their latest stories,” John said. “There is much warmth and respect and it really is so easy to live here and enjoy Myrtleford and North East Victoria. “The variable landscape, the opportunities to enjoy the natural world, the industry of its people and the open friendly multicultural community make it a pleasant place to live and I am proud to have called it home for all these years. While his longest position held in the area was as a teacher, John’s subsequent 22 year retirement has not been spent idle and his achievements speak for themselves. He has been convenor and president of the Friends of the Reform Hill since 2001, Alpine Shire Citizen of the Year in 2002, chairman of the Myrtleford Cemetery Trust since 2008, founding member of the Alpine Shire Heritage Network in 2010, Myrtleford and district achiever of the year and recipient of the Alpine Shire lifetime achievement award in 2012, leader of the Myrtleford-Whorouly Uniting Church and life member of the Myrtleford and District Historical Society and the Myrtleford Agricultural Society. In 2018 John was also awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the Myrtleford community and in 2022 he celebrated his twentieth year as president of the Myrtleford and District Historical Society.
■
◆ John Taylor has been instrumental in making Reform Hill in Myrtleford a major attraction for locals and visitors. PHOTO: Brodie Everist
Continued page 6
YOUR GARDEN N
ANIMAL CARE
WINE TALK
YOUR HEALTH H
GONE FISHING
with MANDY
with SHAMIA
with ANITA
with BELINDA
with ROB
Business Accounts Community-focused banking that supports your success Visit bankwaw.com.au for full terms and conditions. BankWAW is the registered business name held by WAW Credit Union Co-Operative Ltd.
bankwaw.com.au