John Duffy was presented a life membership at the Healesville Racing Club by former chairman and friend Pat Lalor as friends and family gathered at the event.– Melissa Meehan
BADGER Creek resident John Duffy was presented with a life membership at the Healesville Racing Club last month, recognising over 10 years of service on the committee and loyal support for the club.
Racing club chairman John O’Neill described the retired schoolteacher as an important active member of the club who helped out with the racecourse markets and organised kids races on race day.
“He organises lolly bags out of his own pocket for the kids, so that everyone who competes is a winner,” Mr O’Neill said.
“He is a great asset for the club, an old Irishman at heart.”
Mr O’Neill said that because Mr Duffy was a little publicity shy, he had to organise the presentation under a veil of secrecy.
“We organised for his family to come up for the day and surprised him with the award,” Mr O’Neill said.
“He is a well deserving member that the club could simply not function without.”
