Community

Murchison stalwart recognised on Australia Day

By Anna McGuinness

Jan 26, 2022

A lifelong member of the Murchison community took out the town’s only Australia Day award on Wednesday.

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After joining the local CFA when he was 12, John Ferguson is still a regular at meetings, on top of his membership to the RSL and Lions Club, where he’s led as president numerous times, and involvement on the gardening committee.

A part of the Cemetery Trust for 15 years, Mr Ferguson can be seen assisting with the maintenance of the cemetery.

Good feed: Murchison Men’s Shed members were in charge of the barbecue. Photo by Anna McGuinness

Mr Ferguson played football, cricket and golf in town, alongside volunteering for clubs, whether it be at working bees, marking lines or manning the gates at games.

After winning the Senior Citizen of the Year award, Mr Ferguson said Murchison was “magnificent” and he “couldn’t fault it”.

“I’ve lived here all my life; I just love the town,” he said.

The official proceedings at Murchison Swimming Pool saw the winners announced in the colouring, writing, photography and Christmas lights competitions.

Procession: Australia Day committee president Bruce Smith leads Murchison Primary School students as part of the flag-raising ceremony. Photo by Anna McGuinness

Brian Spencer, owner of Shiraz Republic and Brewery in Cornella, was the guest speaker and spoke about the importance of welcoming newcomers and fighting for what small towns had.

The men’s shed put on a barbecue breakfast and Bec Wilson took the stage with her guitar.

Australia Day committee president Bruce Smith said the turnout was lower than expected, perhaps due to concerns around COVID-19.