Des Walsh, honoured by the Cardinia branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation last week, at ‘home’ at his family hardware store in Kooweerup.By Paul Dunlop
DES Walsh, proprietor of the ‘farmer’s shop’ in Kooweerup, has been honoured by the Cardinia branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation for his outstanding contribution to life on the land.
Mr Walsh was a popular recipient of the VFF’s Agricultural Achievement Award, presented at a packed gathering at the Nar Nar Goon community centre on Friday night.
He and his wife Martha and their family have become synonymous with rural life after many years operating their dairy farm and hardware store.
VFF branch president Ian Anderson paid a glowing tribute to Mr Walsh, saying he had the respect of the entire farming community.
Alan Light, a longtime friend and past recipient of the achievement award, presented Mr Walsh with his commemorative plaque, saying it was a great honour and privilege.
“We’ve known each other for 50 years,” Mr Light said.
“Running a farm doesn’t just happen. It happens by hard work.”
Mr Walsh, 81, said he was “almost stuck for words”.
He said helping people gave him his biggest pleasure.
“I really appreciate this,” Mr Walsh said.
“It is a real honour for me to have this achievement.”
His wife and children Gerard, Dianne, Mark and Andrew, as well as soninlaw Garry Tivendale and daughterinlaw Melissa were among the guests at the dinner, which was the 19th annual gettogether of the local farming community.
Many past recipients of the achievement award were among the more than 220 people who enjoyed a threecourse meal.
Entertainment was provided by Bernie Byrne and his band of musicians, and guest speaker Paddy Spruce from the National Speakers’ Association of Australia.
The guests included Bass MP Ken Smith, Eumemmerring Province MP Gordon RichPhillips, Cardinia Shire mayor Garry Runge and mayoress Sue Runge, councillors Doug Hamilton, Helen Ward and Kate Lempriere, and VFF officials.
•See page 62 for more on the award night.
