FLEMING, John McKenzie OAM (1930-2022)
John was enrolled as a boarder at The Geelong College from 1942-1947, completing Form UIVA to Form V. Son of George (OGC 1912) and Ethel, the family lived in Deepdene. His brothers also attended the college; Peter (OGC 1945) and Keith (OGC 1948).
In the House system, John was a member of Calvert House. He also reached the 3rd VIII in 1947, the same year he completed his Leaving Certificate.
Following school, John initially worked for a shipping company before running a service station and garage. After his marriage to Diana in 1956, the family moved to Wonthaggi in 1961 where John opened a Holden dealership. Fully embracing his new town, John would go on to serve the community for six decades, helping transform the coal mining town to what it is today.
During this time, he joined the Borough of Wonthaggi as councillor 1968-1979, serving as Mayor in 1977. He was the Founding Director of the Wonthaggi Sewerage Authority, 1968-1978 and Chairman, 1977.
John was a Charter Member of the Lions Club in Wonthaggi since its formation in 1961. Over the years he served as Club president three times as well as Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Officer. He was made Life member in 1989 and International Life Member in 1992.
In 1961, John also joined the Wonthaggi Urban Fire Brigade, maintaining his membership until 1996. He served as its Secretary 1987-1995, Group Officer Bass Coast Group 1976-1994, Group Communications Officer Bass Coast Group 1965-1976, and became a Life Member. From 1996, he was part of the CFA Glen Alvie Rural Fire Brigade including time as Firefighter 2001-2014 and Brigade Member from 2014.
Other community roles include Justice of the Peace, since 1977; Volunteer, Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, since 1988; Committee Member, Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association, 2015-2017; Founding Board Member, Bass Coast Community Foundation, since 2002; Bass Coast Safety Ambassador, 1990-2000; Commissioner, Bass Coast Shire Council, 1994-1997; Member, Bass Coast Football Tribunal, 1965-1968.
In 2001 John received a Centenary Medal for service to local government and the community, then in 2019 he became a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the Wonthaggi community.
John is remembered for his dedication to his family and community.
John passed away 30 June 2022, aged 91 years.
Sources: Herald Sun 4 July 2022, Philip Island and San Remo Advertiser 14 July 2022, Australian Honours list, Pegasus, Ad Astra. OGC 1944.