Lions farewell devoted volunteer of five decades

THE Portarlington-Drysdale Lions Club is honouring the legacy of a long-time member, whose five decades of service has left a lasting impact on communities both near and far.

Colin “Hutchie” Hutchesson was recognised in May with the Lions Club’s 50-Year Service Medal, marking a lifetime of dedication to the community that spanned one year in Natimuk, 35 years in Bacchus Marsh and 14 years in Portarlington.

It was presented to him at a small ceremony attended by family, friends and fellow Lions, just a few days before his passing.

Club secretary Brendon Jones said Mr Hutchesson’s friendship and experience were greatly valued by all and celebrated his commitment to the organisation’s mission.

“He was very keen on doing whatever he could to help people … If there was anything happening, Col was going to be right in the middle of it.

“It was good that we were able to [recognise his service] before he passed, and it meant a heck of a lot to his family, as well as his wife and children.”

Mr Hutchesson’s journey with Lions began in 1975, after the decision to purchase a post office franchise brought him to the small western Victorian town of Natimuk.

He relocated a year later to Bacchus Marsh, where he became the local newsagent and a key figure within the Lions Club, serving twice as club president during his tenure, as well as taking on a range of leadership roles including membership chairperson, welfare officer and zone chairman.

Bacchus Marsh’s Len Murfitt remembers his time with Hutchie fondly, singling out his efforts as the ‘support crew’ for the club’s fundraising bike rides as a key highlight.

These rides took the club’s members from Adelaide to Melbourne, and Broken Hill to Bacchus Marsh, via Echua, Albury and Ararat, in the name of drought support for farmers and prostate cancer awareness, respectively.

“He earned the title ‘Mother’ for the excellent care he gave us,” Mr Murfitt said. “He really mothered the whole crew that was on the bike rides.

“He was just one of those genuinely nice people. He’d like to have a chat [and] he was very helpful to everyone.

“It didn’t matter what organisation it was – Meals on Wheels, the hospital op-shop – he was always willing to give a hand or help put people in touch with people.”

In 2011, Hutchie made the move with his wife Meryl to Portarlington and transferred to the Portarlington-Drysdale branch of the Lions. His outstanding service was acknowledged in 2016 with life membership, and later with the organisation’s highest form of recognition, the Melvin Jones award.

“He was just one of those wonderful people you meet in life and you’re lucky that you do,” Mr Murfitt said.