Casey’s Senior Citizen of the Year Tom Hartley is congratulated on receiving the award by mayor Colin Butler.TOM Hartley’s 50 years hard work and dedication with the Doveton Scouts has earned him the City of Casey’s Australia Day Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
Mr Hartley’s long history with the scouts has included 50 years as a volunteer, 45 of those with Doveton as scout leader, group leader and Casey district commissioner.
He was also office bearer for the Scout Association Group – Victorian Branch, group president for 7th Doveton Scout Group and chairman of the Victorian Scout Monster Raffle Committee, which helped raise $30,000 for Casey District Scout Groups.
He has received a Scouting Certificate of Good Service, Medal of Merit, Silver Acorn, Silver Kangaroo and various Service Awards.
Mr Hartley is also known for his generosity and sponsors young members of low-income families.
Friend Margaret Fairhurst, who has been involved with him through Doveton Scouts for many years and coincidentally also won Casey’s Citizen of the Year, said she was over the moon when his award was announced.
“I was more excited for him than I was for me,” she said.
“I’ve known Tom for 20 years. He definitely deserved it.”
The Casey Citizens of the Year Award winners will be invited to attend formal council events throughout the year, often as keynote speakers.
