Plantagenet Australia Day 2023: Robert Clarke recognised for his years of leadership with St John Mt Barker

The Shire of Plantagenet has honoured Robert Clarke for his years of service to the community, naming him Plantagenet’s senior citizen of the year at last week’s Australia Day awards. Mr Clarke was unable to attend the ceremony for health reasons, with Sue Slade of the St John WA Mt Barker sub-centre accepting the award on his behalf. Mr Clarke moved to Porongurup in the 1960s and became involved in the local bush fire brigade, where he met his wife, Joan, in the 1980s. From there, he volunteered with the State Emergency Service, becoming the local area co-ordinator from 1988-1991. Always busy, Mr Clarke was the parish warden and member of the vestry with the Anglican Church and a member of Narpanup Golf Club and was club president for three years and treasurer for five. In 1991, Mr Clarke joined St John Ambulance as a volunteer driver. He has been a committee member for almost 30 years, assistant first aid trainer and chairman twice, finishing his last stint last year. He has also received a life membership of the St John WA Mount Barker sub-centre and the national medal for 15 years of service to the SES. tate Emergency Service. Plantagenet Shire president Chris Pavlovich said Mr Clarke was always there to lend a hand or a hug, where deemed appropriate. “Whether it is supporting the team with great advice, cleaning or washing ambulances or keeping vital equipment installed and updated,” he said. “Our thanks are extended to Rob, and it is people like him that make a community the best of what it is today.” Ms Slade said Mr Clarke would want to thank his wife Joan for supporting him for many years. “Rob would be embarrassed, but excited to say ‘there are more deserving people than me’, but today is Rob’s day,” she said. “Rob is a person who gives with dignity, knowledge, pride, empathy and a hug. “We at St John WA Mount Barker sub-centre are indebted for Rob guiding our ship.”