By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A proud Kallista resident, John William Lloyd was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his decades of service to the Sherbrooke community.
At 82, Mr Lloyd’s contributions to his beloved Dandenong Ranges spanned over more than 50 years.
His volunteer work covered multiple areas, from environmental conservation to community services and local organisations.
His impact on the area was undeniable, and the OAM served as a well-deserved acknowledgment of his tireless efforts.
“I was very surprised and humbled when I heard the news,” Mr Lloyd said.
“It’s not something you expect, but it makes you reflect on the long road of volunteering and community service that’s meant so much to us.”
Mr Lloyd and his wife, Fay, had lived in Kallista since 1966, raising their three children in the heart of the Dandenongs.
Throughout the years, he made significant contributions to local groups and projects, and his legacy was deeply tied to the heart of Kallista’s vibrant community life.
One of Mr Lloyd’s earliest roles was as a member of the Kallista Mechanics Institute Hall Management Committee, a position he held since 1967.
His dedication to the Mechanics Hall saw him serve as Chair in the 2010s, and he received a Certificate of Appreciation in 2018 for an impressive 51 years of service.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection to the hall, especially since we lived just a stone’s throw away from it,” Mr Lloyd said.
“It’s been part of my life for so long, and I’m proud to see it remain such a vital space for the community.”
His service to the environment was just as noteworthy, he worked as a ranger at Sherbrooke Forest (now part of Dandenong Ranges National Park) for 38 years, from 1959 to 1997.
Over the years, he played a pivotal role in preserving the forest and protecting local wildlife.
He was also a founding member of the Friends of Sherbrooke Forest, helping to care for one of the region’s most cherished natural assets.
“I’ve always had a love for the forest, it was a privilege to work alongside so many wonderful people to ensure its protection for future generations,” Mr Lloyd said.
Beyond his work as a ranger, he was instrumental in forming the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group and worked with the Save the Dandenongs League for decades.
He was also involved in various conservation efforts to manage invasive species in the area, including a major initiative to control deer populations, which had caused significant damage to local flora.
In the community service sector, John had been a dedicated volunteer with organisations like Meals on Wheels, providing support to elderly and vulnerable residents for over ten years.
He also served as District Coordinator for the Red Cross from 1978 to 1983.
Mr Lloyd’s early years with Apex Club Sherbrooke in the 1970s and 1980s were also a significant chapter in his community involvement – he was deeply involved in local fundraising efforts and served in leadership roles, earning Life Membership in 1983.
Throughout it all, he emphasised the importance of volunteerism.
“Volunteering is the backbone of a strong community, it brings people together and helps create bonds that last,” he said.
Mr Lloyd’s lifetime of service was further acknowledged in 2015 with a Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Monbulk and a Certificate of Service from Yarra Ranges Council in 2016.
In recognition of his 40 years as a ranger, the Lloyd Track in Sherbrooke Forest was named in his honour.
While Mr Lloyd stepped back from some of his volunteer roles due to health reasons, his influence continued to shape the community.
He remained active with the Friends of Sherbrooke Forest and the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group, and he remained a strong advocate for local volunteer groups, sharing his experience and knowledge with others.
“Fay and I were incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful, supportive community,” Mr Lloyd said.
“It was an honour to give back in whatever way we could.”
John’s journey through volunteering, conservation, and community service left an indelible mark on Kallista and the surrounding area.
His OAM served as a well-earned tribute to a lifetime of giving back and strengthening the fabric of the Sherbrooke community.
