Home » Mail » It’s a life sentence for Jim

It’s a life sentence for Jim

By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

A MEMBER of the Lilydale and District Historical Society has been awarded life membership of the organisation for 45 years of service.
Jim Sawyer received the honour at a meeting in February this year, after joining the society at its inception on 1971.
Mr Sawyer was a councillor for the Shire of Lilydale when he joined with Cr Maurie Seymour and formed the historical society and is the second-oldest surviving member of the society.
As a councillor, Mr Sawyer has been described as always polite and affable but could be very forceful when he felt an injustice was being done.
Mr Sawyer actively supported the society to establish a museum in the old shire offices back then and has continued to be an active and supporting member since then.
A graduate of Dookie Agricultural College, Mr Sawyer took up land after World War I and with his brothers on adjoining properties the Sawyer brothers became very successful dairyfarmers.
Always having a great love of history, many people saw him as part of the district landed gentry but that is one thing Jim isn’t – he is a quiet and modest man who loved the land and his community.
Lilydale and District Historical Society Vice-President, John Brown presented Jim with his framed certificate and several members visited Jim Sawyer at Wantirna Health on Thursday, 14 April.
In reading a citation at the meeting in February, Mr Brown thanked Mr Sawyer for his commitment to the society and the wider community.
“Today, it is with much pleasure I present a Life Membership to James or Jim Sawyer for his support of our society since its inception in 1971.
“Jim you have made a lifelong commitment to your family and your community and we at the Lilydale and District Historical Society have always appreciated your support,” he said.

Digital Editions


  • Campfire safety urged this long weekend

    Campfire safety urged this long weekend

    As Victorians head outdoors to enjoy the King’s Birthday long weekend, fire and land authorities are reminding campers and visitors to forests and parks to…