By Mitchell Clarke
Vincent and Judith Bibby have long been valued members of the Drouin community.
On Monday 10 June, the couple were recognised for their service to the town and honoured with a Queens Birthday Award, each receiving an Order of Australia medal.
“It’s amazing, we were filled with shock firstly but now that it’s sunk in, we’re both feeling very proud that we’ve been awarded,” Judith said.
“I feel like we are accepting this on behalf of everyone. When you’re part of a community and various organisations, you’re working as part of a team.
“You can’t do it all on your own. We have certainly been very fortunate to have made some very special friends throughout the community.”
Married 54 years, the Bibby’s have four children and thirteen grandchildren. While their kids have left Drouin, their big family remains their proudest achievement.
The couple have devoted decades of service to their community, with Vincent serving as Councillor and Shire President after awarded Buln Buln Shire Citizen of the Year in 1981.
The pair have been involved in the Drouin Cemetery Trust, Hallora Stezlecki Football Club and the Drouin Golf Club among a long list of other achievements.
More recently, the retired pair are enjoying keeping busy, never struggling to find a reason to get out of bed.
“We love to play golf and we love to help people,” Judith said.
“The satisfaction of helping out, the wonderful friendships you make, seeing something that you’ve worked on – it gives life meaning.”
As to how they’ll celebrate the award?
The kettle will certainly be on and the scones will be in the oven on Monday morning.
“We hope Drouin will always remain the beautiful and vibrant community that it has been for us,” Judith said.
“We’ll definitely be living here for the rest of our lives.”
