The RSL’s Community Grants dinner last week was also an opportunity to formally present John Batty with his Community Anzac Award, recognising his dedicated years of service to the Phillip Island community.
The award was originally announced as part of this year’s Anzac Day service in Cowes.
Peter Paul from the Phillip Island RSL described John as a very quiet and unassuming man “who has contributed an amazing amount” to the local community.
“If there is an organisation on this island that hasn’t used John Batty’s voluntary services, I’m yet to find it.”
John arrived on Phillip Island in 1977 and quickly became an asset to the local community, known for his knowledge, understanding, care and as someone who never turned away anyone who asked for help.
His commitment to the community included involvement in a huge range of local groups, and he also audited the books for many community groups free of charge.
Over the years, some of the groups John has been either a committee member of, or auditor for, include Cowes Kindergarten, Cowes Primary School, Warley Hospital Board of Management, Phillip Island Arts and Cultural Committee, the Bowls Club, Pony Club, Adult Riders Club and Historical Society.
He has also served on the Board of Management for Rose Lodge and Phillip Island Homes for the Aged (Melaleuca Aged Care). He served as an administrator for the Homes for the Aged, in full time and part time roles for 32 years – a role he still holds.
Over the 45 years John and his family have lived on the island, he has been a quiet achiever and certainly looks for no recognition.
“His quiet achievements give him pleasure and he enjoys his involvement in the community,” said friend Joy Niven. “His forward planning for the care of the aged is always on his mind. As a community we owe John a lot. He has been a big driving force behind the provision of housing for the aged on Phillip Island.”
Melaleuca Aged Care provides 37 aged care beds, 17 independent living units, 12 village units and 10 Melaleuca suites. This is run by a Committee of Management and is a not-for-profit organization.
In John’s free time he enjoys his family and grandchildren, ten pin bowling and bowls.