By Elizabeth Hart
LONG-SERVING community worker and Yannathan icon Ron Gardiner told more than 100 people at a thank-you testimonial dinner that the Yannathan Hall had become his second home.
Yannathan residents turned out in force to say thanks to Ron for a virtual lifetime looking after the hall.
He served as the Yannathan Hall and Recreation Reserve committee secretary treasurer continuously for 40 years.
The dinner was tendered to Ron and his wife Marj for continuous service to the district in several capacities.
Long-time residents and friends John Coleman and Eric Kent highlighted Ron and Marj’s achievements.
The Gardiner family has lived at Yannathan for more than 90 years.
Ron’s father bought the property in 1918 and Ron enjoyed an active childhood.
This included vegetable growing, hand milking, riding a horse to school, fishing in the Lang Lang River, shooting competitions and potato growing.
He still takes pride in his flowers and vegetables.
Hall committee president Bruce Thomas presented Ron with a plaque, recognising his service, a framed photograph of the Yannathan Hall, and a new broom to symbolise his regular cleaning of the hall.
Marj also received a presentation.
Mr Kent said Ron and Marj, in 52 years of married life, had done far more than should be expected of a community member.
“They represent the best things in a community,” he said.
Ron said it was lovely to see so many people present. “There is something special about Yannathan. My one regret is that I have not written a history of Yannathan,” he said.
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