Ambleside Homestead will be among the buildings in the care of Bill Ireland, who is taking over as building maintenance officer at the Knox Historical Society.By Paul Pickering
BY HIS own tireless standards, 2006 was a big year for Bill Ireland.
But to those who know him, it comes as no surprise that last year’s Knox Citizen of the Year is preparing to add to his already extensive portfolio of responsibilities.
As he prepared to step into the role of building maintenance officer at the Knox Historical Society (KHS), Mr Ireland took a moment to reflect on an amazing 12 months.
Having described last Australia Day’s presentation as “one of the greatest moments of my life”, the Ferntree Gully stalwart was unaware that another defining moment would soon follow.
In recognition of Mr Ireland’s commitment to the KHS, as well as the Boronia Fire Brigade, Ferntree Gully North Primary School, Puffing Billy and the Ferntree Gully and District Wood Workers, former Ferntree Gully MP Anne Eckstein invited him to a luncheon with the Queen.
The event, held at the Royal Exhibition Building, marked the opening of the Commonwealth Games, at which Mr Ireland volunteered as a chauffeur for visiting dignitaries.
Although he didn’t manage to secure an audience with Her Majesty, Mr Ireland speaks fondly of his time spent driving athletics gold medallist John Steffenson around Melbourne, calling the 400-metres champion “a real character.”
Mr Ireland will again be a host driver at March’s World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, but it is as host at the historic Ambleside collection that he seems most at home.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” he says, “and I like to find out as much about the history of the place as I possibly can.”
In his new position with the KHS, Mr Ireland will liaise with the council to ensure the preservation of the municipality’s treasured buildings.
KHS president Ray Peace was unequivocal in his endorsement of his close friend for the role, and said: “Bill is the man for the job.”
Mr Ireland dismissed the suggestion that he might have to scale back his other commitments.
“I’m not one that can just sit around,” he said.
“As long as I can I’ll just keep going (with the volunteer work), and just have lots of fun in the meantime.”
Mr Ireland is a member of the committee that elected this year’s Knox Citizen of the Year, which was presented at Friday’s Australia Day awards ceremony.
