By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A LATE Berwick mayor and his wife have inspired a real estate agency to donate to the community-minded couple’s favourite causes.
Nielsen Partners Berwick, part of First National Real Estate, set aside a percentage of their fee after recently selling John and Beverley Byron’s property.
Akoonah Park Men’s Shed – which was the brainchild of Mr Byron – was the beneficiary of a donation of almost $3000.
The agency also donated to Ms Byron’s favoured charity, Medecins Sans Frontieres.
Akoonah Park Men’s Shed president Lindsay Harding said Mr Byron had toiled hard and used his contacts and nous to get the men’s shed off the ground.
“He believed that the area needed a place for men to go – not just retirees.
“It’s a place to learn new skills or for just getting together and enjoying each other’s company.”
Mr Byron, as inaugural president, ran a group for 25 members but was always thinking of its expansion. Now the group is 165 members strong – due in no small part to Mr Byron’s efforts, Mr Harding said.
On most days, there’s at least 40 blokes there in the workshop, having lunch or playing snooker.
At the moment, many are busy building the near-finished recreation room – thanks to grants from all tiers of government and support from local businesses.
Mr Harding said the group would put the agency’s donation to a specific and apt project.
Peter Watson, manager of Nielsen Partners, said the firm wanted to recognise Mr and Mrs Byron’s long-standing interest in helping people.
“The Men’s Shed is such a hive of activity. I spoke to some of their fellows who are in there nearly every day.
“It’s more than just a pastime. It’s a part of their vitality – it makes them get up every day.”
