Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Noel Withers

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (13:11): The Greensborough Historical Society is a cornerstone of our local community and is dedicated to preserving the rich history behind the Greensborough area. Today I wish to acknowledge in particular the service of Mr Noel Withers. Noel served as president of the society from 2010 to 2022 and was in every sense its driving force. With his good humour, boundless energy and unwavering commitment, he played a vital role in establishing the society back in 2010. From day one Noel not only researched and delivered countless talks to local community groups, he also personally contributed and edited historical content for publication, ensuring the stories of our region were recorded and shared. Noel was instrumental in managing and winning multiple successful grant applications, helping to secure vital funding to support the society’s work. He also brought the organisation into the modern age, installing and maintaining its IT systems himself. I saw firsthand Noel’s passion for our community’s history when he led work to install historical signage through Greensborough township and led local history walking tours. Noel’s outstanding service has been recognised with a life membership of the society in 2015, and the Banyule community group award and the Jagajaga community award in 2017. He is quite rightly considered a local historical treasure. Our community is richer thanks to Noel’s work, and we thank him for his enduring legacy in preserving Greensborough’s past for future generations.