Knox rewards one of its favourite sons

KNOX Citizen of the Year for 2006 is Ferntree Gully born and bred, estimating he’s moved about half a kilometre up the road since his birth in the Foothills 60 years ago.
Bill Ireland received the municipality’s highest accolade from Knox Mayor David Cooper on Thursday, 26 January at the council’s Australia Day Local Awards breakfast, attended by about 140 people.
The guests, which included Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Monbulk MP James Merlino and Ferntree Gully MP Anne Eckstein, as well as numerous past winners of local awards, applauded Mr Ireland as he stood shaking at Cr Cooper’s side.
“It was one of the greatest moments of my life,” Mr Ireland said afterwards.
Mr Ireland attended Ferntree Gully North Primary School as a boy and has maintained a keen interest in the area ever since. He has assisted with two publications on the school’s history, served on its committee and took a lead role in organising its 25th, 40th and 50th anniversaries.
Mr Ireland’s keen interest in history saw him become a member of Knox Historical Society in 1976. He has held the post of vice-president on a number of occasions, and time dedicated to the society’s projects earned him life membership in 2002.
Another of Mr Ireland’s passions is the Boronia Fire Brigade, where he has been a member since 1967, retiring as an active fire fighter in 1998. Combining his love of the brigade and history, he has documented the it’s past and assisted in the production of two publications and a video.
For the past eight years, Mr Ireland has volunteered for Puffing Billy, playing the dual role of head conductor and steward on the dinner train. Among his numerous volunteer roles, Mr Ireland recently joined the Ferntree Gully and District Wood Workers, where he spends his time making toys for underprivileged children at Christmas time.
Mr Ireland, who retired three years ago, shows no sign of slowing down and says volunteering is better than any paid job he can imagine.
“As long as I can keep going, I’ll always be out there doing something in the community,” Mr Ireland said.