A very humbled David Sawtell was named Boggabri Lions Club Senior Citizen of the Year for 2020.

Mr Sawtell came to Boggabri in 1971 and is a valued and respected member of many organisations in the community.

He was nominated by Boggabri Home and Community Care (HACC).

Mr Sawtell has been a volunteer transport driver with HACC for eight years.

His nomination stated, ‘he is a reliable and dedicated driver who is always popular with our clients.’

Mr Sawtell was working in Narrabri in 1969 when he received his call up for ‘National Service’.

In 1971 when he finished his service, he spent time in Sydney undertaking an Assistant Station Master course and from there was posted to Boggabri railway station.

Mr Sawtell and his wife Beryl are dedicated parents and grandparents, they have two sons, Glenn and Rodney.

The couple spent many hours supporting the boys while they were growing up as well as supporting the Boggabri community. They now also support and contribute to activities at Tamworth’s Oaktree village, managed by Rodney.

Mr Sawtell is a quiet achiever; he genuinely likes to help people and doesn’t look for accolades.

He has helped elderly neighbours for many years by running errands, shopping and mowing lawns and transporting them to medical appointments.

He is an active member of the Boggabri RSL sub-branch supporting veterans, selling badges and pens, assisting with ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, preserving and promoting the memory and commemoration of our nation’s military history both in the community and at the Multi-Purpose Service.

Among Mr Sawtell’s interests and hobbies are leatherwork; making quality belts, whips and the essential Aussie fly swatter. He supports the Drovers’ Camp Fire by holding a stall each year.

He has also completed a showcard and ticket course, has done signwriting for a few businesses in Boggabri and has made crosses for graves free of charge for anyone who wanted them.

His nomination also states, ‘he has a positive outlook to living and aging and his generosity of time and concern for others touches many lives.

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