Living Treasure
Bill Warner has had years of civic and voluntary service. After studying engineering and working as an apprentice and design draftsman, he joined the police force in 1951 and fulfilled a number of postings and positions, including President of the Police Association in 1973.
Bill received two commendations for leadership (local community) awarded in 1959 and 1970 and he retired from the Force in 1983 with a Chief Commissioner’s Certificate for sustained, outstanding and loyal service.
Whilst stationed in Heyfield, Bill joined the Scout movement and assisted his wife Gwen in the role, later establishing his own group in East Preston. He dedicated time and effort as an administrator in the movement, eventually becoming District Commissioner for Springvale until his retirement in 1987. He received a number of commendations, including the Silver Acorn award for Distinguished Service to the Scout Movement in 1984.
Bill was elected a Councillor for the City of Springvale in 1969 and was Mayor three times in 1972, 1975 and 1981. His achievements in local government were broad, but one he is particularly proud of is the development of the library service in Springvale, which opened in 1972.
He provided incentives for council staff to attend conferences and seminars outside Springvale because he believed that staff efforts contributed to the overall success of local government.
Bill was the Foundation President of the Springvale Historical Society and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1993 for service to the history movement and to the community.
He has been a contributing member of many clubs which included being President of the Keysborough and District Senior Citizens Club and Public Officer of Prime Timers.
Bill was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation during the International Year of Volunteers 2001 and an Order of Australia Medal for service to local government and the community in 1984.
After a lifetime of service Bill is convinced that it doesn’t matter what you take on, so long as you have the commitment.