By Laura Michell
Postcode 3757 was Leslie Russell’s “treasured place”.
The lifelong Whittlesea resident’s tireless dedication to the town was recognised on Wednesday as part of the Australia Day Honour’s List. Mr Russell was posthumously awarded a medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of Whittlesea.
Daughter Vivienne Davis said her father loved Whittlesea and would have been “thrilled” by the honour.
The timing of the honour is bittersweet for Mr Russell’s family, who marked the first anniversary of his death on January 23.
Ms Davis said her dad “loved Whittlesea so much”.
“He loved being involved … just trying to improve the town.
“He was just really happy … [postcode] 3757 was his treasured place.”
Ms Davis said her dad was the local butcher and was a member of many community groups.
“He was Santa at the kinder for years and years,” she said.
“Everybody knew dad.”
Mr Russell was a member of the Whittlesea Bowls Club serving as president in 1985-86. He coached for nine years, was head of catering for 10 years and was awarded a life membership in 1994.
He was also a member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society committee for 10 years, volunteered with the Yan Yean Cemetery Trust from 1965-2020 and was president of the Whittlesea and District Development Association.
Mr Russell was also a former player, committee member and life member of Whittlesea Tennis Club and served as premiership captain, coach, secretary and president of the Whittlesea Football Club.
He was also a founding member of the Whittlesea Fire Brigade, a member of the Whittlesea Primary School Council, founding member of the Whittlesea Kindergarten committee and the City of Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year in 1998.
Ms Davis said her son Ryan initiated her dad’s nomination for a medal of the Order of Australia.
“Dad knew Ryan had submitted it but he didn’t know it had been approved. He was so happy,” she said.
“It is validation for his love of the community and his dedication to try and make Whittlesea a bit better. He believed in it so much.
“We are just so proud of his dedication to the community.”
