Port stalwarts honoured as business community celebrates

A TRIO of Portarlington stalwarts were recognised for their service to the local community at Portarlington Business Development Association’s annual Christmas function last week.

Almost 160 people converged at Portarlington Golf Club for a sit-down dinner, where members celebrated the end of another successful year.

President John Rae announced Colin and Pam Evans as recipients of the Community Award, while Craig Abbey was inducted as a life member.

Mr Evans’ long list of achievements included being a member of the golf club for 55 years, while holding positions on the match committee, social committee and board of directors.

He also became a life member in 2002.

Mr Evans joined the cub scouts as a young boy, before becoming a senior scout, assistant scout leader, scout leader, group scout leader and district scout treasurer.

He has also been a member of the girl guide building committee for five years and involved in many fundraising activities during his time in Portarlington.

Mrs Evans has been very involved in fundraising for the Girl Guides and this year was awarded the 45-year service medal for Guiding. She joined the Brownies as a young girl, gained her Queen’s Guide Award and then went on to become a leader.

Mrs Evans continues to assist the Salvation Army Door Knock Appeal, Portarlington’s Biggest Afternoon Tea and RSL Anzac Day.

Mr Abbey, owner of First National Real Estate in Portarlington, along with his dad Norm Abbey, have supported the local community for the past 44 years.

Mr Abbey’s business is the major sponsor of the Portarlington Carnival of Golf, and he also sponsors the Portarlington Demons Football and Netball Club.

He supports local groups, initiatives and events such as – just to name a few – the Christmas decorations on the rotunda, Bellarine Agricultural Show, Portarlington’s Biggest Afternoon Tea, Portarlington Girl Guides and the Rotary Club of Drysdale.

Mr Rae spoke warmly of Mr Abbey’s financial support in the community and his involvement with the PBDA since its inception in 2005.

“He has worked tirelessly on the executive and his efforts have been vital in growing our membership to 160 in 2017.”