Plantagenet Australia Day 2023: Local artist George Corke honoured for 42 years of community service

Mt Barker artist and volunteer George Corke received the Shire of Plantagenet’s Citizen of the Year Award for his commitment to the local community for more than 40 years. Since moving to Mt Barker in 1979 Mr Corke and his wife have been welcomed by the community and have become a part of the fabric of the town. Mr Corke has been part of numerous community projects including the Mountains and Murals festival and Mt Barker Painted Door Festival in 2020. His work can be seen around town with his street sculpture “When Push Comes to Shove” installed on the corner of Langton and Lowood Roads, the mural of the Kids and the Magpie on Lowood Road and the Red Back spider at 131 Ormond Road. Shire President Chris Pavlocih thanked Mr Corke for his hard work and contribution to the community. “George has created unique and refined timber and metal pieces at his gallery and workshop and has donated numerous items to the community of Plantagenet over the years,” he said. “His support of the community commenced immediately with the commencement of his business.” Mr Corke was surprised and honoured by the award. “It was a big surprise, I’ve always thought there are a lot of better volunteers than me,” he said. “I don’t volunteer a lot as such, I’ve just worked in the community for over 42 years. “I want to thank my wife, who has supported me in everything that I do. “We ran a business together and employed a lot of local staff. “I didn’t realise I was giving so much, but you just do it when you live in a small community like this.” Mr Corke thanked the community of Plantagenet for welcoming him and his family. “This town welcomed us 42 years ago, we grew a business here and employed a lot of people and it is just a great community to get involved with,” he said. “They welcomed us as a young family, I had three little kids, not in school even and we were accepted into Mt Barker, and I was never out of a day’s work. “I didn’t plan to stay here that long, to be honest, I only came here with three to four weeks of work and ended up here 42 years. “I worked for myself when I first got here and built a business up to employ about 15 people. “The community has always supported us through thick and thin. “It’s just a beautiful little town. “We’ve seen people come and go over the years but they always enhance the place.” Mr Corke has also invested heavily in Mt Barker’s youth believing them to be the basis of the town’s growth. Cr Pavlovich said George employed a new apprentice every year at one point. “I always like working with youth,” Mr Corke said. “I ran a youth club for a number of years along with other volunteers. “The amazing part I find about Mt Barker is it’s a little town but there are a lot of young people here, and we see young people leave, they go off to school or university but they always end up coming back.” “They come back to start their own business or raise a family. “Most of the businesses been run down the main street are by young people, their in their mid-30s, they have young families and I think Mt Barker gives them the opportunity to make something of themselves.