General News
17 August, 2023
Love, life and leadership.
What does 68 years of leadership look like? Look at Graeme and Nola Smith and you will see. Born and bred in Golden Grove, Rainbow in the Rainbow District, Graeme started volunteering on his first committee at the age of 18 in the Presbyterian...
What does 68 years of leadership look like?
Look at Graeme and Nola Smith and you will see.
Born and bred in Golden Grove, Rainbow in the Rainbow District, Graeme started volunteering on his first committee at the age of 18 in the Presbyterian Church.
Graeme’s lifelong love of God continues today, and his roles have been many, beginning with treasurer of the Wimmera District PFA, of which he also became president.
Graeme became an Elder at the age of 24, and remained an Elder until his retirement in March 2023, wrapping up 62 years of leadership in the Church.
Graeme’s community involvement has been extensive and he has served on the Rainbow Cemetery Trust for 50 years, filled roles such as Presbytery and secretary of the Rainbow Football Club (of which he is a Life Member), and was on the School Council for 20 years at both the Primary and Secondary Schools before they amalgamated into the P-12 College.
Golf was another area of interest where Graeme was heavily involved, and he continues to remain involved in politics.
His faith, family, love of nature and farming have sustained him as he and Nola raised five sons.
In this time, Nola also worked in nursing and rose to become Director of Nursing for seven years.
Nola has been heavily involved in voluntary work through the Church, has taken lead roles in School Mothers’ Clubs, was secretary of the Infant Welfare, steward at the Rainbow Agricultural Show, and Life Member of the Learning Group.
Since retiring at the age of 65, Nola has been coordinating the Community Craft Shop, serves on the hospital committee, enjoys cooking, gardening, caring for friends and neighbours, as well as keeping up with family and friends.
The Southern Mallee Co-Operative Parish recognised Graeme’s 68 years of Leadership in the Church with a certificate and presentation at the Sunday July 30 church service, and flowers for Nola.
The combines parish service saw people from Rainbow and Hopetoun joining together in worship, and enjoying a shared meal.