When Don Heather looked at the completely dismantled Ponrabbel II as it lay in a mountain of parts on the floor, he thought to himself, “No problems, I can put this back together again.”
As foreman of the iconic mud dredger that trawled up and down the Tamar River in Launceston for so many years, Don knew and loved every inch of the trusty vessel.
That was six years ago, and true to his word, he fixed it. As Don has done with projects all his life. And last week the 86-year-old resident at Uniting AgeWell’s Denison Court Independent Living units was awarded the highest honour that his beloved shire could bestow - the George Town’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year for services to the community for almost 70 years.
“It’s nice to be recognised, but I’ve just been helping out where I can,” Don says.
No kidding! The list of his achievements is as long as it is impressive. And he’s still volunteering!
So where did it all start?
Don moved to George Town with his family in 1956 and was foreman at the Comalco aluminium smelter until 1992.
In his spare time, he helped with Sunday School, Cubs and Scouts as his children grew up, made wooden toys. He was the inaugural President of the Arts & Crafts Association, which established and ran the first Visitor Information Centre for many years.
Don has been a member and held executive positions in both the George Town Men's Probus and Senior Citizens Clubs. He remains an active member of the Senior Citizens Club and was made a Life Member in 2018.
In January 2010 Don gave a talk on the Ponrabbel II to the George Town and District Historical Society, which led to him joining the Historical Society and becoming a volunteer with the Support Group for the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum.
Don has assisted with the front desk, outside chores and group tours, but his favoured task was the restoration of the Ponrabbel II’s port engine. This valuable piece of Tamar Valley history now has an electric motor that allows visitors can see the engine working.
Don is a valued member of the dedicated team of volunteers who enable the Maritime Museum to open seven days a week and in 2020, was awarded Life Membership of the Low Head Pilot Station Support Group.
He’s made wise decisions in his personal life too. When Don’s wife passed away 11 years ago, he found himself rattling around in the big family home. So six years ago he moved into his Denison Court Independent Living unit with its lush trees, proximity to the sea and the vibrant smell of the ocean – and before long, the residents in the village all became dear friends.
“You never feel alone here,” Don says. “It’s great. There’s always something to do, someone to natter to, we’re all great friends, there’s no one I don’t get along with.”
In between volunteering, Don does his own cooking, loves pottering around his little garden and enjoys reading. “Life is pretty good,” the great-grandfather of 14 says.
In a bizarre co-incidence, now’s your chance to be Don’s neighbour. The unit next door is vacant, and is currently being renovated before the next lucky person moves in. That’s the only vacancy in the village, with its beautiful gardens and shared gazebo area, perfect for social gatherings. So be quick! Sea air, lush trees and a wonderful neighbour! Sounds great!
Learn more about Uniting AgeWell Denison Court