MARNOO - Marnoo's Charles Newall has been honoured for his rare achievement of seventy years service to the Freemasons.
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Charlie was presented with his 70-year jewel and certificate on Tuesday, August 14 at the Stawell Masonic Centre.
Charlie was already enlisted in the RAAF, air crew, when he joined Freemasonry in July, 1942.
Following training as a navigator, Mr Newall was posted to Milne Bay with 33 Squadron for active service.
The Freemasons there conducted fortnightly Masonic gatherings attended by many overseas members, including Americans and Dutch.
Following his discharge in 1945, Charlie continued his service to the Marnoo lodge to total 70 years' membership, including 44 consecutive years as Chaplain.
Charlie became a Councillor with the then Stawell Shire Council in 1967, serving for 27 years and was Shire President in 1968 and 1980.
Charlie was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1968.
He served with the Advisory Council of the Wimmera Mallee Water Commission for seven years and the Donald High School Advisory Council, also for seven years.
Charlie was treasurer of the Marnoo Presbyterian Church for 55 years and honorary secretary of the Grays Bridge Cemetery Trust for 48 years.
He was also president of the Marnoo RSL for 17 years until its closure in 1967.
Charlie, at 92 years of age, is a third generation farmer of Marnoo.
He was born in St Arnaud on April 19, 1920 and has been married to Joy for 63 years.
Joy has been a wonderful support to Charlie in his numerous activities.