Congratulations Don Forbes B.E.M.

Mr Forbes, 71 a resident of Yarrawonga all his life, was awarded the B.E.M. for Community Service over more than half a century.

Among those in attendance were a huge number of people representing Local Government. Service and sporting clubs, the local Ambulance Service and Hospital, and scores of other organisations which Mr Forbes has assisted and guided over the years.

The State Government was represented by Hon. A. K. Bradbury, MLC, of Wangaratta and Hon. Ivan Swinburne, MLC, of Myrtleford, personal friends of Mr Forbes over many years.

The evening, chaired by Yarrawonga Shire President, Cr. J. B. Forge, took the form of speeches, and presentation, interspersed with vocal items by three local artists – Mrs Betty Boag, Mr Barry Woods and Mr Russell Parish. Accompaniment was provided by Mrs F. Evans.

Highlight

A highlight of the function was the announcement that $1040 had been contributed by the public to the Don Forbes Commendation Fund, which will be used to purchase an item of equipment at Yarrawonga District Hospital, to be endowed in Mr Forbes’ honour. This fund, unique in the history of Yarrawonga, has received widespread support throughout the entire district. It will remain open until the end of February.

Among guests in attendance were Mr Bill Jasper of Rutherglen, who also was honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List with an M.B.E. Other guests included Fr. Leo Keenan of Malvern, Fr. Grace of Bendigo, Fr. J. Dowling, P.P. of Euroa; Mrs M Kennedy, Kew; Miss Jenny O’Callaghan, Kew; sisters of the Convent of Mercy, Yarrawonga (where Mr Forbes was educated); Mrs R Hammon of McNally St., (the first president of the Yarrawonga Ladies Hospital Auxiliary), Mrs W Gilmour (also an original member of the auxiliary) and the following relatives of Mr Forbes: Cr. Les McNicol of Morong Shire, Mr Jim McNicol of Manangatang, and Mr and Mrs Wal Sheard of Korong Vale.

The huge crowd present gave Don Forbes a standing ovation as he entered the hall to the accompaniment of “For He’s a Jolly good Fellow”.

Historical Night

Hon. Keith Bradbury said that his was a historical night in the history of Yarrawonga. Don Forbes has spent practically the whole of his life working for Yarrawonga without any thought of personal reward. His inspiration and dedication have provided Yarrawonga with many monuments of achievement.

Behind a good man and his achievements is a good lady and for all the years that he served this community he had a great lady who made many sacrifices. Mr Bradbury said that it was unfortunate that Don’s wife was not with him to share in the joy of this significant event.

Mr Bradbury said that Don Forbes’ B.E.M. was not only recognition of a man’s great work, but also recognition of the work of the people of Yarrawonga shire, without whose help such an award would not have been possible. But Don Forbes is the pinnacle of this double recognition.

“You have opened a fund so that the memory of Don Forbes’ work will go and on. On behalf of the State Parliament I offer Don Forbes every congratulation.

Mr Bradbury complimented the organising committee on arranging such a splendid function and the Chronicle and its editor Mr Noel Loughnan, for the wide coverage given to such an important event in the history of the town.

Cr F Keenan traced Don Forbes’ community work in scores of organisations over the past 50 years, emphasising his special efforts towards the local Ambulance and Hospital and those in need of guidance and advice.

Presentation

Cr Forge, in presenting the guest with a tape recording, said that it was the work of great men like Don Forbes that has made Yarrawonga, a great country town. Don Forbes’ B.E.M. is a really worthy decoration, he said.

Cr Forge said that a portrait of Mr Forbes will be hung in the new station of the local ambulance service, of which he has been president for 30 years and was a former voluntary driver for 12 years.

Yarrawonga Shire Hall was Sunday night 11 February, 1973 crowded with residents who enthusiastically honoured Mr Don C. Forbes, the first local resident to be awarded the British Empire Medal.

Joy

Responding, Don Forbes said that he had received great joy in receiving such honour from the Queen. He thanked Yarrawonga council for making the application and Mr Noel Loughnan for preparing the submission on his community work.

With official documents such as this, it had to be guided through the right channels. I believe that this was carried out by our friend Hon Keith Bradbury, to whom I express thanks.

Mr Forbes said that it had always been a delight to work for the town. “I was taught to love people and in loving people I loved Yarrawonga.”

Mr Forbes said that of the many organisations he had worked for, the Ambulance possibly had claimed the major part of his time. His early aim was to see a modern station and a permanent officer at Yarrawonga. “It took just on 30 years to achieve this, but it was a delight to me when a $30,000 station in Lynch Street was opened a few years ago free of debt.”

Mr Forbes said that he appreciated the Commendation Fund which had been opened in his honour. I feel that whatever is purchased for the hospital will be of great use, he said.