Moving on

ONE of Maryknoll’s founding members was farewelled by family and friends on Sunday when he packed and moved to Bunyip.
Maryknoll came into being around 1950 as a Catholic rural settlement and Vin Tyler, with his late wife Peg, was among those who joined the community and helped establish the co-operative, which provided work for pioneering residents.
Many residents spoke at Mr Tyler’s farewell about his community service and leadership qualities.
Ces Noonan recalled some of the highlights and struggles of Maryknoll’s early years and paid tribute to Mr Tyler’s contribution.
He said Mr Tyler was the town’s plumber, although he had had no prior experience, and he was an active member of the Iona Parish for 60 years.
Vivien Clarke from the Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group commended Mr Tyler on his tireless work of preserving the natural environments in Maryknoll’s reserves, and helping to develop a system of bush pathways around the town.
Progress Association president Anne Jones told of the ways that he helped to develop community spirit.
He was involved in the Maryknoll Cottages for the Elderly, the Hall Committee and was a member of the Maryknoll Progress Association, serving at times as president, vice president, secretary or general member.
He was a strong supporter of the Windana Therapeutic Community when it set up home in Snell Road and worked in the advisory committee to build a bridge between the local community and the centre.
Over the past 10 years Mr Tyler worked to ensure Maryknoll’s environment and unique character was preserved.
He was presented with a framed collage of photos that showed his life in the town, as appreciation of his valued leadership and community service.