Shire of Dumbleyung president Amy Knight has paid tribute to Robert McIntyre, who founded an annual prize fund to help young people from the area.
Mr McIntyre, who died on October 23, set up the Robert and Daphne McIntyre Citizenship Award which, since 2009, has helped pupils from the shire with educational expenses.
He is survived by his wife Daphne and by a legacy of what Cr Knight called “generosity, kindness and a longstanding contribution to our community”.
The aim of the award is to develop the youth of the shire and encourage them to contribute and support the area.
Cr Knight lauded his commitment towards supporting young people and investing in the future of Dumbleyung.
“The scholarship remains a wonderful reflection of his belief in the potential of our next generation and the importance of giving back to the community,” she said.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Robert gave to Dumbleyung over the years.
“His generosity and legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.”
Successful applicants receive a $3500 cheque, a certificate and their name on an honour board which is displayed at the shire’s administrative office.
It is open to students in Years 10-12 who live in the shire, or whose parents/guardians are shire ratepayers.
The process began in 2008 when Mr McIntyre wrote to the council with a proposal to help students with education-related expenses.
One year later, the award was up and running.
The scholarship is also a homage to the pioneering work of Mr McIntyre’s parents and grandparents who arrived in the Dumbleyung district in 1908.
The annual award is presented at the council’s annual Christmas dinner in December.
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