Dave Allan is big on community spirit – and finds Sunbury has plenty of it. The long-serving Rotarian spoke to Esther Lauaki.
What is your connection to Sunbury?
In 1978, I worked at the old Shire of Bulla in the engineering department, at the offices in Macedon Street, Sunbury. I was impressed by the country atmosphere, the schools and services available … having a young family at that time, Julie and I thought that Sunbury would make a great place to raise our children. When the opportunity arose to purchase a two-hectare block of land, we grabbed it with open arms.
How long have you lived in the area?
We have lived at the same address for the past 30 years. Sunbury has grown and changed enormously during that time. We have a greater range of shops and facilities. Our children went to local schools, which provided them with the education that set them off on their academic careers. Most of the two hectare-blocks surrounding us have been subdivided into 0.4 hectare blocks but there is still a rural feel to the place.
How did you become involved in Rotary?
I was invited by a work colleague to attend a meeting at Broadmeadows Rotary Club in 1982. I could see the good work that they were doing and thought I could contribute … I have been a member ever since. I joined the Rotary Club of Sunbury in 1987. I have held many positions in the club and was president in 2014-15. The club is involved in many local and overseas projects. The monthly market, our mainstay of fundraising, has recently moved to the Village Green and has been renamed Sunbury Village Market. Currently, we are selling tickets in our trailer raffle to be drawn at the market on December 10. Rotary has a great philosophy of “service above self”. Rotarians enjoy the company of other Rotarians, but it is the opportunity to serve the community that is the greatest attraction.
What other hats do you wear in the community?
An interest in recycling and diverting materials from landfill – especially organics from the garden and the kitchen and conversion to compost for reuse on the garden.
What is something that others don’t know about you?
I have a passion for long-distance bike rides. I was very proud of my efforts to complete the Three Peaks rides last year. I also enjoy gardening and growing veggies.
What is it that you love most about this community?
I am always amazed by the many generous-spirited people in Sunbury. It is a great place to raise children, with fabulous sporting and educational facilities. I love the trees and fresh air that country living allows us and the opportunity to go bike riding around Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges on the weekends. I get a great deal of pleasure riding out from Sunbury early on a Sunday morning, through South Gisborne and perhaps out to Woodend, Hanging Rock or Mount Macedon. Sunbury is still small enough that when you go down the street, you’ll often meet someone you know.
For information or to join Rotary, go to www.rotaryclubsunbury.org.au
