Dr John Charles and Doug Evans OAM were presented with Life Memberships at the incorporation’s Annual General Meeting on November 30, 2022 in the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre by new president Michael Coldham.
YMTB Executive Officer Noel Wright said Dr Charles and Mr Evans have dedicated a lot of time to creating a sustainable and adaptable tourism model for Yarrawonga Mulwala that has held up for over 20 years.
“Both have been supporters of major tourism initiatives,” Mr Wright said.
“These initiatives include committing to the host fee to source and secure the Lake Mulwala Rod Run, the EC Griffith Cup and Yarrawonga Fair, Country Week Tennis, the triathlon and the Kids Festival to name a few.
“John and Doug are passionate supporters of Yarrawonga Mulwala and our community, always willing to donate their time at the coalface on the Rodeo gates or the EC Griffith Cup pit areas to ensure these events continue to come to town.”
Dr Charles began his first tenure with YMTB in the late 1990s stepping up as president for a lengthy time as well.
“It’s a great honour. I’m quite surprised that Doug and I are only the third and fourth Life Members,” the 79-year-old said.
Dr Charles left the committee when Moira Shire took the reins and joined again a few years after Moira returned tourism to YMTB.
Of Mr Evans, Dr Charles said: “Doug was one of the reasons I came back. He is the epitome of a person getting something done. He’s in everything and never does anything by halves.”
The impact of tourism on a community was emphasised by Dr Charles who recalled the situation of vacant land bordered by Woods Road, Botts Road, River Road and the Murray Valley Highway which surrounded an area known as the Priests Paddock.
“Thirty years ago, there was nothing there,” he said. “Look at it now (about 1,000 homes). Tourism’s done that.”
When he was president, Dr Charles had “a very strong advantage in Barb Macdermid” who was the tourism manager, “Not many executive officers would have had a person as committed and as talented as Barb – she was magnificent,” he said.
“The history of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre should never be lost on its significance to the twin towns and region.”
Mr Evans, 80, has been involved with YMTB since 2007 and has chaired the organisation since 2014, standing down as president at the AGM in November but remaining on the committee.
“It was a total surprise!” Mr Evans said of his Life Membership.
“After the first gasp I had a feeling of satisfaction to contributing to such a worthwhile and vital part of our region’s past, present and future.
“I felt privileged to stand with John Charles who has given over 20 years' service. I thank the board and the stakeholders, particularly the board, Noel, Helen, the volunteers, and staff on behalf of myself and (wife, OAM) Di, to the Yarrawonga Holiday Park Committee of Management for their ongoing support and to Moira and Federation councils.
“I want to acknowledge John for his years of contribution to YMTB - not only his terms as president but also his strong support to financial management and governance. Probably his strongest advocacy is the establishment of a modern Visitor Information Centre on the foreshore – hopefully with the green route (for a new Yarrawonga Mulwala bridge) finally recognised this dream can be achieved.”
Maintaining the YMTB in a financial position to deliver on attracting major events, the many other minor events and, simultaneously providing face-to-face service to tens of thousands of local and visitors was Mr Evans’s highlights.
“Leaving the new board under Michael Coldham, Mark Seeliger and Don McPhee in a strong financial position with good governance is very satisfying,” he said.
“I am proud to say I am passing on an association in good stead and a year surplus of some $16,957.00 with retained profits of $289,533.00 with all known financial aspects met.”
In almost 37 years of incorporation, Dr Charles and Mr Evans join John Tresize and Jeff Haebich (deceased) as YMTB life members.
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