Warm applause greeted Friday’s announcement that dedicated Millicent community volunteer Noel Boyle was the 2021 Senior of the Year.
His name was read out at the Seniors Month finale at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.
Wattle Range Council elected member Dennis Muhovics detailed the extensive contribution of the recipient dating back to the age of 11 when he became a cadet with the Millicent Country Fire Service.
His time with the CFS continued until the 1980s.
“The winner of the 2021 Senior Award is very well known in our community for the many committees and groups that have benefitted from his involvement over many years,” Cr Muhovics said.
“All his working life of 46 years was spent as a postal officer at the Millicent Post Office and he retired in March 2010.
“Noel became involved with the Millicent-based South East Family History Group and has been its president since 1998.
“Lake McIntyre at Millicent is another one of Noel’s passions, being involved in the transformation of a disused quarry to one of our most outstanding community assets.
“He has worked countless hours every week organising volunteers and doing the heavy lifting to his high standards.
“Noel became involved with the Millicent branch of the National Trust and its museum 20 years ago and is currently its vice-chairman.”
Cr Muhovics also listed his interests with the Kanawinka Writers Group, Millicent’s early cemeteries and researching and publishing books on local history subjects.
“All these efforts were previously recognised by Wattle Range Council in 2011 when Noel was named as the Australia Day Citizen of the Year for Corcoran Ward,” he said.
Born in Millicent in 1948, Mr Boyle is married to Sheila and they are the proud parents of three sons.
After his name was read out, Mr Boyle came on stage to accept the award.
“I am speechless,” Mr Boyle said.
“I will have to read the speech made by Dennis again to see all the things that I have done.
“There are others more deserving than me.”
First given out in 1991, the Millicent Senior of the Year recognises the worthy and older citizens of this community.
To be eligible, a person must be at least 60 years of age.
The award coincides each year with Seniors Month which is held around the state in October.
It is organised and sponsored locally by Wattle Range Council with over 20 events on the 2021 calendar.
Companies, groups and individuals had also lent their support.
As a coincidence, Mr Boyle had participated in the official Seniors Month program in 2021 by staging two history tours of the Millicent Cemetery.
