PORTARLINGTON\u2019S John Rae was blindsided by his own business association when members surprised him with life membership last week.<\/p>\n
Mr Rae, who has been president of the Portarlington Business Development Association (PBDA) for almost 10 years, was given the honour in recognition of his years of generous and outstanding service to the community of Portarlington and the PBDA.<\/p>\n
After hearing of his award, Mr Rae joked that \u201cthis was never discussed at the last meeting!\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said he was truly surprised, honoured and very grateful to be awarded life membership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe PBDA is the most positive group I have been involved with, great talent and commitment exists throughout this group and I have been very fortunate to have their support.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupport also continues at home from my gorgeous wife Lainey who has been patient, inspirational, very creative and put in hours of work with flyers, directory and answered many phone calls.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the PBDA\u2019s social function at Bouchon at Bellarine, a packed room heard how Mr Rae was quick to become involved in local affairs after he and wife Elaine retired to Portarlington in 2000.<\/p>\n
Association member Dave Gray said Mr Rae\u2019s commitment to his community was extensive, spanning more than 18 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn actually spends about 32 hours a week doing voluntary work,\u201d Mr Gray said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis leadership of the PBDA has resulted in a membership growth from 29 to 158.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is now the largest and most dynamic business organisation on the Bellarine.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough John\u2019s direct effort we gained a new Woolworths supermarket and United Petroleum station.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs president of the PBDA, he also instituted the Christmas gift program, which allows needy people to receive gifts that they could not otherwise afford.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Gray said Mr Rae was a kind, compassionate and loyal person, who cared about people.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn\u2019s drive and energy is immense,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis ongoing commitment to the Portarlington community is enormous and we are grateful for the things he has continued to achieve for the town and its people.\u201d Mr Rae has also been the project leader for the Portarlington Safe Harbour Ferry Group since 2007, vice president of the Portarlington Information Booth since 2015, and held positions of president, vice president and secretary of the Portarlington Community Association.<\/p>\n
He has also been involved in many projects in the Portarlington area, including a campaign to save the local swimming pool.<\/p>\n
He is also a supporter of the new Bellarine CFA building, Biggest Afternoon Tea, Mussel Festival and Tourism Information Booth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PORTARLINGTON\u2019S John Rae was blindsided by his own business association when members surprised him with life membership last week. Mr Rae, who has been president of the Portarlington Business Development Association (PBDA) for almost 10 years, was given the honour in recognition of his years of generous and outstanding service to the community of Portarlington […]<\/p>\n