South Gippsland thanks Neil
INVERLOCH’S Neil Warren received an Order of Australia Medal for his ongoing service to South Gippsland on Australia Day.
He was nominated by Leongatha Lyric Theatre, which he has been involved with for more than 30 years.
“My first show was My Fair Lady and I was one of the dancers. I help to build the sets now,” Mr Warren said.
“I enjoy the satisfaction putting on a great performance can give. I helped build the set for Mary Poppins most recently and I will help out with Hairspray this year.”
He is a life member of Lyric Theatre, and in the past has filled the roles of president and treasurer.
Mr Warren’s commitment to South Gippsland does not end with theatre.
He has been a member of the Leongatha SES since 2000 and became the deputy controller and training officer in 2007.
“The more you put in to the community, the more you get out. It’s been great to give back to the community and help people in their time of need,” he said.
Mr Warren has been a life member of the South Gippsland Yacht Club for many years. He has been the commodore of the club and is currently treasurer.
He said he enjoyed the social side of sailing and enjoying quiet afternoons out on the water.
Mr Warren often drives the rescue boat during club sail days. He was out in the rescue boat last Thursday, Friday and Saturday to ensure the safety of all sailors during Inverloch’s annual Australia Day Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta.
Mr Warren has also spent the last decade volunteering with the Victorian Bicycle Network. He became a life member in 2015.
He has participated in the major Bicycle Network events including the Great Victorian Bike Ride and the Three Peaks Challenge.
In fact, once he was out of the rescue boat after the regatta on Saturday, he made his way down to the city to take over the midnight to dawn shift during Melbourne’s Ride the Night. He was stationed at one of the rest stops at Docklands and ensured all riders were looked after during the event.
Mr Warren is a well known identity in Leongatha, having raised his family in the town.
He has taught maths, science, physics, health and physical education at Leongatha Secondary College, and was first recognised for his work in the community in 2003 when he was named Leongatha’s Citizen of the Year.
Mr Warren thanked his family and friends for their support.
“My family are really excited for me but none of this would’ve been possible without the support of my wife Dorothy and my two daughters (Fiona Walker and Christine Warren),” he said.
“There are a lot of people who do great things in this community, but I feel very lucky and I thank Lyric Theatre for the nomination.”
Mr Warren was invited to Government House in April, where he will officially receive his Order of Australia Medal.
Mr Warren also have two grandchildren, Imogen, 3, and Charlotte, 15 months.
Outstanding citizen: Inverloch’s Neil Warren received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to South Gippsland. He is pictured at the South Gippsland Yacht Club, where he is a life member. He was also recognised for his work with the Leongatha SES, Leongatha Lyric Theatre and the Victorian Bicycle Network.
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