Kyabram Freemasons honoured with Australia Day awards

Bro Arthur Fennell and WBro Greg Toy were honoured with Senior Citizen of the year for Tatura and Sport Award also for Tatura.

Congratulation Arthur and Greg

Arthur Fennell

Arthur was born in 1943, and came to Shepparton with his employment in 1972.

Arthur and his wife moved to Tatura in 1978.

He was involved with the Shepparton Jaycees at that time, serving as President 1978/79. In 1980 he had open heart surgery to replace his Mitral Valve. In 1983 a group of his ex-patient friends formed "Heartbeat Victoria" and were the Founding Members in Melbourne. Arthur was about 18 years younger than more experienced

members. However they had plans for him, to start a group in Shepparton. With his wife's assistance he served as G.V. Branch President for 5 years, and as Secretary, Treasurer and Newsletter editor since 1998, inspiring many members from newsletter articles. Other Branches were started throughout Victoria and were encouraged to support their Hospitals with peer support and any fundraising that would assist with Cardiac Care. Since 1986, the "Heartbeat Goulburn Valley Branch donated $300,000 for equipment used in Cardiac Care at G.V. Health. In 2006 Arthur was made a Life Member of "Heartbeat Victoria" and he and his wife are still involved with "Heartbeat Victoria".

His sons had joined the Tatura Cubs, he then became involved with the local Scouting movement serving as President of the Tatura Group Committee which managed the administration of the scouting activities. Later he trained as an Assistant Leader, as he had been a scout in his youth in Reservoir Vic. During his time through grants and fundraising and working bees, the present Scout Hall was built in Tatura, replacing the Old Hall.

He joined Tatura Lions Club, serving as President in 2003, attending their various projects. He was a Member for 39 years, and resigned as he could not be out in the sun as he is sun sensitive now.

Other organizations he has been involved with over the years, a Volunteer Driver at Tatura Hospital for approx. 10 Years, Tatura Men's Shed since 2020 and Treasurer in 2023, Tatura - Rodney Masonic Lodge since 1983 (40 years) and the "Cussen Park Project" from its inception with tree planting and maintenance.

Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell presenting Arthur Fennell with his award

Greg Toy

Greg relocated to Tatura approximately 7 years ago. He has certainly made a name for himself due to his volunteer efforts and his expertise in Lawn Bowls. Whilst Greg played Lawn Bowls for over 20 years he has been a Parabowler since 2019 as he suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. He represents Victoria at a state level in Lawn Bowls for players with a disability. He plays and represents our local club - Hill Top Bowls Club in Pennant at the highest level despite his Muscular Dystrophy. At the Victorian State Titles for Parabowlers which were held in Bendigo, he won the Victorian title when he was competing against 50 other Parabowlers.

He has previously won a silver medal representing Victoria at the national title in Perth.

It was his first-time representing Victoria. Greg inspires the local bowling community due to the high standard of bowls he plays and his happy demeanour and his willingness to assist others to improve their bowling. This is evidenced by the way he organises social bowls at Hill Top every week and Male/Female and Junior Bowlers are all welcome. He volunteers at the Tatura Football Club behind the bar and he is a member of the

selection and General Committee for the Hill Top Bowls Club.

Greg is the most deserving winner of our Australia Day Sports Award. Congratulations!

Shepparton City Council's Dinny Adem presenting Greg with his award.