THE local senior of the year award for 2019 is heading to the seaside as the recipient is Beachport community volunteer Bob Grieve.
The senior of the year award presentation and afternoon tea was held on Thursday afternoon at the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre.
All present warmly applauded when the name “Bob Grieve” was announced.
After leaving paid employment as the Millicent and District Hospital gardener several years ago, Mr Grieve has donated countless hours to his adopted home town.
He has served as a volunteer with such Beachport-based organisations as the Country Fire Service, Meals-on-Wheels, Lions Club and Men’s Shed along with the Beachport District Development Association.
Mr Grieve has been the prime mover in reestablishing an Anzac Day commemoration at Beachport.
His pastimes in his retirement years have included sculpting and painting.
His wife Marg was aware of the rare honour ahead of the official announcement and used a ruse to convince him to attend.
“I am gobsmacked and this is unexpected,” Mr Grieve said in his acceptance speech.
“Life has been very kind to me and I have enjoyed it.
“I feel I should give something back.”
The award was presented by Wattle Range Council Corcoran Ward elected representative councillor John Drew.
The council-sponsored afternoon tea was served by Mount Burr United Football Club members.
Among the gathering of 120 was Millicent World War II naval veteran Paulene Hales.
For the second year in a row, musical entertainment was provided by Casterton’s Stumpy Gully Bush Band.
First given out in 1991, the senior of the year recognises the worthy and older citizens of this community.
The award coincides each year with Seniors Month which is held around the state in October.
It is organised by Wattle Range Council.
To be eligible, a person must be at least 60 years of age.
