Noel Laing

Noel has learnt lots of things during his 80 years on Earth, in particular, the value of contributing to his community.

For more than 40 years, Noel has been a pillar of the Leongatha community – nearly everyone knows Noel. He has been a valued member of the:

• Leongatha Lions Club for over 35 years serving multiple times as President and Secretary.

• Leongatha Returned Services League (RSL) for over 40 years, with 11 of those as Secretary.

• Leongatha Football Netball Club for approximately 10 years.

As many of us who volunteer would know, being Secretary is often a thankless job, but is vitally important to the day-to-day operations of the group or organisation.

For the Leongatha Lions Club, Noel has served multiple positions including President three times, Secretary five times, been on the district cabinet of District V3 which encompasses some 60 clubs, Zone Chairman of four clubs in his zone and more. Perhaps most notably, he was a member of the Lions Club when it was first charted in 1968.

During his time at the Leongatha RSL, Noel has visited the RSL nearly every day – checking in on staff and any members in attendance, and ensuring the smooth running of the facility. He actively participates in any and all fundraising and memorial activities that are essential to the welfare of Veterans including ANZAC Day appeals, Remembrance Day poppy sales, education at local schools, speaking to community groups and representing the Leongatha RSL at funerals and memorials of local Veterans. Some of these are not easy tasks, but Noel handles everything with good grace, charm, aplomb and care for all involved.

Like many selfless volunteers, Noel describes himself as simply ‘a good person’ and passes on accolades he receives to others who he feels are more deserving. When asked if he would be comfortable with being nominated for the 2024 South Gippsland Citizen of the Year award, he needed some convincing, but agreed on one condition – please don’t tell Faye. Faye is the great woman behind this terrific man and who has provided support to this icon of the Leongatha community.