Connecting people and communities Keilor, Taylors Lakes, Sydenham
Incorporating Star Real Estate
Tuesday, 28 January, 2014
A Star News Group publication Phone: 9933 4800
No. 603 50c inc. GST
OAM for war veteran By ALESHA CAPONE BURNSIDE great-grandfather Ronald McGrath has been recognised in the Australia Day 2014 Honours List, after more than six decades of dedicated volunteer work. The 88-year-old has received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to veterans. Mr McGrath said he was surprised to receive the honour. “My wife would tell you I nearly had a heart attack,” he said. With four sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Mr McGrath has made his family proud. During World War II, Mr McGrath joined the RAAF as an 18-year-old. He served in Queensland and Papua New Guinea as a transport driver. After the war ended, Mr McGrath became a founding member of the Royal Australian Air Force Association 7 Squadron. “We decided after we had made so many friends - officers and gentlemen - right across Australia that we should keep in touch,” he said. Mr McGrath has spent more than 65 years in various roles at the organisation including secretary, treasurer, vice-president and committee member.
Mr McGrath is also an accomplished pianist and played at concerts to entertain his RAAF mates during the war. Mr McGrath said his beloved wife Betty has been an inspiration and great support to him throughout their marriage. “While I was the official office bearer for all those years, I could not have served my fellow veterans without Betty at my side,” he said. Mr McGrath has also received a long service commendation from the Red Cross, after 10 years as a volunteer driver with the charity. “I was very proud of that,” he said. Mr and Mrs McGrath helped start the Essendon Civic Association, which went on to establish the Buckley Park Bowling Club, of which Mr McGrath was the first secretary. The civic association also created the Buckley Park Tennis Club and the Doutta Stars Football Club. Mr McGrath’s proud son, Alan, recalls his Dad driving footy players to games in the back of his flatbed truck and playing the piano at sporting social functions. In addition, his father helped establish the Essendon Probus Club and Essendon Central Probus Club.
100 years young! PAGE 5
Spotlight on Alana PAGE 7
Full steam ahead SPORT Established Homes NW
Connecting people and communities
www.
.com.au
Tuesday, 28 January, 2014 Page 1
north west
NEW LOOK ON BIG BLOCK PAGE 6
Property Lift out
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE TAYLORS LAKES HOTEL 2013 Australian Hotel Association Winners!
FUNCTIONS SPORTSBAR Let usASIAN quote on MONDAY $13your next - Conference TUESDAY PARMA $12 WEDNESDAY PIZZA $10 - Birthday THURSDAY STEAKS from $12 - Wedding 7 MELTON HIGHWAY
•BestMetropolitanGaming Venue •BestPubStyleAccommodation Finalistsin •BestMetroPubTAB •BestMetroBistrowithFullTableService •BestOutdoorFacility •BestOverall HoteloftheYear
TAYLORS LAKES
9217 9500
JBJs RESTAURANT BOOK NOW FOR VALENTINES DAY www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
1100294-RC45-13 1116472-LB06-14
Burnside resident Ronald McGrath will be receiving an OAM on Australia Day in recognition of his service to veterans and community work. Inset: Mr McGrath with his mates in the RAAF during World War II. 113246 Pictures: DAMJAN JANEVSKI