Harold Waldron - Community Service Award 2010

Harold Waldron is 81 years old. He came to the Bellarine Peninsula from Melbourne as a boy with his family for holidays, and moved here permanently as a young man.

Initially, Harold was busy as a builder of at least 57 houses in and around Portarlington, all with lifetime guarantees, but found many ways of contributing to the community. Maintaining his integrity has been an ongoing priority in his dealings with the public.

His service to the community includes assisting with the reconstruction of the Portarlington Pavilion, member of National Trust, Chairperson of the Committee for the opening of the Portarlington Mill, voluntary maintenance of various community facilities such as the Old Mill and the Senior Citizens Centre, involved in the Kindergarten at Portarlington, member of the Bellarine Historical Society for 25 years, supervised the construction of the Parks Hall at Portarlington and a member of the Alcoa Community Consultation Committee.

Harold is the current leader of the SpringDale Pole Walking Club. He has managed to rejuvenate the enthusiasm of the group, and has actively recruited new members to swell the ranks. He also successfully completed a First Aid Course in 2009 to fulfill the legal requirement of leading such a multi-aged group. He swims and rides his bike following a double knee replacement. As if this wasn’t impressive enough, Harold’s unfailing friendliness, cheerfulness and encouragement, humour and interest brightens people’s day. He has plenty to occupy his time at home, but prefers to spend productive time with people. He is only happy if he is helping someone.

Lucky us. Thank you Harold.