NOT many towns can say they have volunteers with 120 years of experience between them – but Creswick can.
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Theo Thomas started his long career on volunteering for the CFA. He wanted to find something meaningful to fill his time.
On Wednesday Mr Thomas was recognised alongside Norma Clifton, Joan Hepworth, Neil Hunt, Margaret Edgar, Judith Slate, Joan Rhodes and Deirdre Giles for 20 years of service.
Hepburn Shire mayor Kate Redwood praised the volunteers as the lifeblood of the community.
“I referred to research in my speech that volunteers are happier and live longer lives,” Cr Redwood said.
“So with so many volunteers of more 20 years – they are going to very happy and live very long lives.”
Cr Redwood said community contribution made by volunteers “was huge”.
“As I’ve been around shire I’ve been amazed at the volunteers.
“They work with the hospital, for meals on wheels, in the sporting clubs.”
Mr Thomas said through volunteering had been involved in so many different aspects of the community.
At one point he edited and was heavily involved in the free newsletter Creswick District News.
Mr Thomas, who was giving visitors information about his beloved town on a public holiday, said his whole volunteering career had been filled with highlights.
“I started off at the CFA and was there fore 15 years,” Mr Thomas said.
“I then worked at the information centre, the computer centre and helped around where I could.”
He said he would continue to volunteer for as long as possible – and did not rule out the possibility of reaching another volunteering milestone.
“I’m 69 so hopefully a few more years – maybe I could get another badge,” Mr Thomas said.
There are many volunteering opportunities in the shire. Mr Thomas urged anyone who was interested to get on board.
“The whole thing has been great … it’s fantastic,” a chuffed Mr Thomas said.
