Rob Downey named Wee Waa’s senior of the year

An impressive catalogue of voluntary work and community involvement spanning many years saw well-known Wee Waa identity Robert Downey chosen as Wee Waa’s Senior of the Year on Wednesday.

The award, a Wee Waa tradition since 1985, recognises residents’ contributions to the community in many spheres.

MC for the Lions Senior of the Year award lunch at Wee Waa Bowling Club, Lion Ron Lowder, said Mr Downey was always first to step forward to offer his services across the spectrum of local community activities.

Accepting the Senior of the Year award, Mr Downey paid tribute to his wife Dot for her support which had allowed him to undertake so many voluntary activities.

Mr Downey is a well-known and popular local.

“Rob is always quick with a joke and is very passionate about his community,” his Senior of the Year nomination noted.

The catalogue of Mr Downey’s service is long and wide-ranging.

His nomination recorded that he had been part of the community all his life, attending Wee Waa Central School until 1961.

He married local girl Dorothy Russell in 1975 and the couple raised three girls and now have four grandchildren.

His work career saw Mr Downey employed at local businesses culminating at Namoi Cotton after many years as a familiar figure at the Co-op.

After retiring from Namoi Cotton he now works for Namoi Care Connect transporting people to medical appointments.

Mr Downey is an active member of the Wee Waa Men’s Shed. He helps out each month for Kev’s Big Breakfast at the Namoi Echo Museum.

Mr Downey served in the Wee Waa Fire Brigade for 44 years.

He plays golf every weekend and helps out at the Wee Waa Golf Club, and is also a former club captain.

Rob is a long-standing member of Wee Waa Lions and has been secretary/treasurer for many years.

The Lions Wee Waa Senior of the Year Award lunch is a major annual event on the community calendar, a recognition of the role long term residents have played over decades in shaping the community of today.

Accepting the Senior of the Year Award, Rob Downey acknowledged the work of his fellow volunteers.

“There are many more deserving of this award,” he added.

Mr Downey thanked his wife Dot for her unflagging support over the decades.

“And thanks to my nominators,” he said.

Mr Downey was ‘always busy’ MC Ron Lowder said.

In fact, the Senior of the Year was busy helping in the kitchen when he was called to the podium to receive his award.

Guest at the lunch, Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell, emphasised that the importance of the role of volunteer members of the community, in particular the seniors, could not be over estimated.

“If we talked about community service hours it would be an extraordinary number,” he said.

That service was reflected in the attendance at Wednesday’s seniors’ award lunch.

“There are many who serve their community throughout their working lives and continue long after retirement in voluntary service – indeed, all their lives” he said.

“They are valued and respected members of our community.

“Wee Waa is a vibrant community, thanks to people such as yourselves,” the mayor said to the luncheon audience.