A certificate of achievement has been awarded to Orbost and District Historical Society member, John Phillips, in recognition of his outstanding personal contribution to the preservation and celebration of the history of Orbost and district.

John is a life member of the Orbost and District Historical Society, and a former teacher at Orbost Secondary College.

His award was one of several presented at a Gippsland Association of Affiliated Historical Societies (GAAHS) meeting held in Bairnsdale on May 18.

Speaking about the award, Orbost and District Historical Society president, Heather Terrell, said John’s award is justly deserved.

“He has made an enormous contribution over many years, and we are all very proud that John’s work has been acknowledged in this way,” Heather said.

“John is a diligent researcher and has formatted and published several local history books including Club Terrace, a Town and its Diary, which John collated and published after the untimely death of its author, Graham Dyce.

“He also arranged the publication of a new edition of the well-loved local history book on Newmerella called Newmerella - Valley of Plenty, and in 2011-12 he embarked on the enormous task of research for the book that celebrates A Centenary of Secondary Education at Orbost 1912-2012.

“As well, John has written a large number of well-researched local history newsletters for the Orbost and District Historical Society. These are mailed to members, but also reach a much wider audience through the Orbost and District Historical Society website.

“During his membership of the historical society, John has also helped many people with research relating to their families and local history.

“The Orbost and District Historical Society nominated John for this award not only because of the length of time of his involvement with history, but also because of the range and quality of his work.”

PICTURED: Orbost and District Historical Society member, John Phillips, was acknowledged with a certificate of achievement at a Gippsland Association of Affiliated Historical Societies gathering in Bairnsdale on May 18. He is pictured at the launch of the book, Newmerella – Valley of Plenty, in 2010.