By Derek Schlennstedt
George and Pat Hetrel, who own The Basin’s Como Gardens, dug into their own pockets in June this year to surprise The Basin community with a substantial donation.
In a final act of good will, they handed $1 million to Knox City Council to help to transform The Basin’s Batterham Reserve.
Knox Mayor John Mortimore said he was dumbfounded at the level of generosity and the council accepted the gift with the utmost respect.
“I’m still trying to believe it!“ he said.
“While I’m still pretty shocked, it’s so typical of George and Pat to do something special to help the local community.
“Not only have George and Pat provided this outstandingly generous financial support, they are the driving force behind many of the improvements that will now take place at the reserve.
“Not one cent will be wasted.“
George and Pat have been big contributors to the community through their fund-raising efforts with Como Gardens Estate, which have resulted in donations of tens of thousands of dollars.
Now in his nineties, George said they wanted to give one final gift to the community he lives in and loves.
“When we decided we wanted to do something, we got in contact with the council to work out a way we could help,“ he said.
“We’re very happy with the result; these upgrades are sorely needed.
“We’re very proud and humbled to be able to give to the people of The Basin something that is sorely needed in the community.“
