Community Champions recognised for their commitment

By Samantha Elley

When Ron and Betty Doyle moved to Evans Head with their young family in 1970, the seaside town did not realise what a blessing they had just received.

The family soon settled in, with Ron, as a marine engineer, working with the local fishing industry and Betty raising their two children.

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“We noticed there was no preschool,” said Betty, “so we helped start the community preschool.

“There was no coast guard north of Newcastle, so Ron got involved with setting that up too.”

Despite a full-time job Ron found himself becoming more involved with community groups to better the home he lived in, not just for other residents but the many visitors who flocked to the oceanside town every holidays.

Ron and Betty Doyle

One way he did this was in the establishment of the Evans Head Recreational Hall which he has been involved with for 40 years.

“A group of us would meet, we’d put on our guernseys and see what we could do to lift this place up,” Ron said.

“We decided to go to council and get support and provide (a place) available for residents and visitors to go and meet and fraternise and express their life.”

Betty came on board 16 years ago as its treasurer when her skills were required.

And with that, the hall has seen many a wedding, engagement and even wakes celebrated and commemorated within its walls and its thanks to the dedication of Ron and Betty.

Ron and Betty Doyle with Ritchie Williamson & Robert Mustow.

Current hall president Ian Drinkwater extended his gratitude for the commitment of the Doyle community stalwarts.

“Our gratitude is for the foundation (they) have given us,” he said.

“We recently installed bike racks and a defibrillator machine, thanks to (Richmond Valley) Council, and we continue to take on community needs.

“We are looking to install a wet area and showers for the emergency services in the near future.”

Mr Drinkwater said the hall is very active with 22 bookings each week with pilates, yoga, craft, massage, tai chi, singing and martial arts, not to mention the wedding receptions and engagement parties every weekend.

State member, Richie Williamson, Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow and Richmond Valley Council general manager Vaughan Macdonald, along with about 20 people, were on hand to thank the Doyles and celebrate their commitment.

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