Derek Garton has received an award for his service to the Berwick community. 64756 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Lia Bichel
DEREK Garton is thankful his wife lets him spend so much of his time volunteering in Casey.
Mr Garton, who received an award for his volunteering service to the Berwick Community, has been actively involved in a range of groups and organisations in the Berwick area for many years.
He is currently involved in Berwick Bowling Club, Berwick Balcara Freemason Lodge, Friends of Wilson Botanic Park and has been the president of the Berwick Brae Retirement Village Committee since 2008.
A qualified lawn bowls coach, Derek trains children with a disability and adults and school children in the art of lawn bowls.
“It gets people out and into the fresh air,” he said.
“It’s something fun for them to do.”
At the Berwick Brae Retirement Village, he designed and painted a mini golf course, which his friends, members of a woodman’s club, constructed.
He said while residents get enjoyment from the course, so do local students who play a round during social outings with their schools.
He is a past master of the Berwick Balcara Freemason’s Lodge and has supported many charities as a member of the club.
As a member of the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park, he has organised many working bees and a past garden show.
“I am fortunate my wife allows me to spend so much of my time volunteering,” he quipped.
“I don’t do it for rewards, it’s part of community service.”
