Birthday bash for Tonks

By Bridget Cook
LONG-TIME Berwick resident Jim Tonks celebrated his 90th birthday on 1 March with 60 family and friends at the Cardinia Hotel in Beaconsfield.
The surrounding area of Cardinia Hotel holds a special place in Mr Tonks’ heart.
He had spent a lot of time fishing with his father at the nearby Cardinia Creek, had once worked in nearby orchards and played cricket on the oval that used to be behind the hotel.
Family and friends travelled from as far as Queensland, New South Wales, Ballarat and Bairnsdale to be with Jim on his special day.
Mr Tonks has been a Berwick resident for most of his life. He attended Berwick Primary School and eventually started up his own business as a builder.
Mr Tonks and his late wife Dora raised eight children and he now has 23 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Mr Tonks’ daughter-in-law, Chris Tonk, said Jim had always been involved in sport, especially with the Berwick Football Club, and supported his children through their sporting activities.
“Jim followed his children’s sporting activities with avid interest supporting them in their endeavours at all times.”
Mr Tonks still remains active, walking daily and keeping up with current and local affairs, but likes nothing better than spending time with his children and grandchildren, she said.