Volunteering for Guide Dogs Victoria for more than 18 years is just one of the ways Russell Walker has serviced Victoria and his local Macedon Ranges community.
The Gisborne resident of 30 years was made an officer of the Order of Australia on Friday for his service to the state community.
His commitment to the vision impaired has included 18 years as a board member for Guide Dogs Victoria, with five years as chairman.
He stepped up to be on the board of Guide Dogs Victoria for six years, and, with his wife Marlene, has trained and cared for 16 guide dog puppies, two guide dog breeders and a retired guide dog.
Mr Walker has been a director of local water supplier Western Water since 2015. From 2010-15 he was a director of Coliban Water, including deputy chairman for two years. In the public sector, Mr Walker was the Assistant Auditor-General of Victoria for the state government for 20 years.
He also led the Western Bulldogs Football Club’s fundraising group for five years as chairman.
Locally, the Gisborne resident has been the vice-president of the Gisborne and District Lions Club since 2016 and is on the board of Gisborne and District Bowling Club. Mr Walker was on Macedon Ranges Health’s board from 2012-2017.
