IN ADDITION to Penola couple Keith and Dorrie Bennier recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, the pair will also be recognised as Lions Seniors of the Year at the Penola Australia Day Celebration.
“Keith and Dorrie Bennier thoroughly deserve to be recognised for their contribution not only to Penola but also in Nangwarry and Kalangadoo,” Penola Lions president John Stayte said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to be recognised by the community for their great team effort over the last six decades.”
After their marriage in 1958 Mr and Ms Bennier farmed at Kalangadoo until the Ash Wednesday fire destroyed their property.
Mr Bennier then worked in Nangwarry and later the pair moved to Penola where Mr Bennier retired to live at Tandara Lodge of Penola and District.
Being active Lions Club members at Kalangadoo for 20 years, the couple have been involved in many community activities within the town.
Ms Bennier held the position of first female president of the Penola Lions Club, and in addition was the first female president in the region at that time.
Mr Bennier helped relocate and paint the Nangwarry medical clinic along with being a volunteer driver for the Red Cross and Lions Club.
The dedicated community member also raised valuable funds by pruning at the Penola vineyards and was declared “King of the Vines” in 2009.
“They are regarded as model residents at Tandara Lodge and for the last 13 years have enjoyed life there and helping maintain the grounds for neighbouring units and assisting others in the complex with maintenance issues,” Mr Stayte said.
The couple have two children Terry and Debbie, two grandchildren and a four year old great grandchild.
Mr Stayte said the pair can often be seen in Penola walking hand in hand, enjoying their morning coffee at the bakery and chatting with locals and visitors in the town.
“Well done to you both you are very worthy recipients of this Award in 2018,” Mr Stayte said.
