Barry Chandler awarded Tooraweenah Lion’s Club senior citizen of the year for 2023

Recently awarded Tooraweenah Lions Club’s Senior Citizen of the Year for 2023, was an honour well-deserved, despite his humble objections.

“I just didn’t think I had done enough; I haven’t done anything outstanding, but I am very grateful to the Lions Club, and I thank them for my nomination and for selecting me,” he said.

Contrary to Barry’s beliefs, he has been involved in almost every committee or community event the village has held in recent times.

From his involvement in the Tooraweenah Show, to his position on the ANZAC committee, support of the golf club, Lions club, and endurance ride, Mr Chandler does everything he can for the place he has always called home.

“I have lived here for all my life, I just turned 70,” he said.

“We have had the family farm here for 76 years, and we just always helped the local show, and all the organisations that have been around,” he explained. He is happy, he added, to just pitch-in, whenever there is a local need.

“I’ve always been quite happy to help the local community whichever way I can,” he said.

“I really appreciate them nominating and selecting me, I was very surprised.”

Humbled by the nomination, Mr Chandler paid special mention to his old schoolteacher from times past, Mrs Zell. Attending Tooraweenah Public School in the early 1960s, there were around 120 children enrolled.

“I had a very good schoolteacher back then, Jenny Zell, she used to teach me. I had a lot of respect for her.

“She taught all the students very well, and I still see her from time-to-time. I learnt a lot from her,” he said.

Mr Chandler gave a speech at the Tooraweenah Lions Senior Citizen luncheon, where he thanked many members of the community for their support and friendship over the years.