Former Manager - Albury Gas Company Limited (Retired)

Derek joined The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria as an Apprentice Plumber and Gasfitter in 1960, serving a five-year apprenticeship. He was appointed a Foreman in 1966 and in 1967 gained a two-year Working Scholarship; he travelled overseas to the USA and Canada to gain experience with Natural Gas prior to the introduction of this fuel to Melbourne in 1969. On his return in 1969 he was appointed a District Supervisor in 1971 in charge of a large service centre with 200 employees and contactors.

At the time of the acquisition of The Albury Gas Company Limited in 1974 Derek was appointed Manager. The company then operated as a fully owned subsidiary company of The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria. Other responsibilities included his appointment as Regional Manager for North East Victoria responsible for a large number of towns including Wodonga and all other North East Victorian Branches (Wangaratta, Benalla, Euroa, Seymour, Broadford, Kilmore, Rochester, Kyabram, Shepparton and Echuca). This involved the management and responsibility for all aspects of the gas industry including LPG and the manufacturing of gas up until 1977 when natural gas was introduced into the region; Dimensions of the position encompassed some 400 employees and Contractors, twelve showrooms, ten work centres and annual revenue of $66 million.

Derek has always been active in community affairs. He was appointed Charter Vice President of the Rotary Club of Albury-Hume in 1977, President in 1979, District Governors Area Representative (twice) Club Secretary (twice), and District Governors Secretary in 1983. District Historian for five years as well as District Chairman of many District Committees. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1983 and was the recipient of a further Paul Harris Fellowship with Blue Sapphire in 1991. He was an Honorary Member of the club for eight years.

Derek was appointed a Justice of The Peace in 1977. He is a Past President of The Albury-Wodonga and District Industrial Safety Group. Past President and honorary member of The Institution of Gas Engineer’s (Australia). Past President of The Australian Gas Association Country Section Committee and in 1988 was awarded the prestigious Australian Gas Association Meritorious Award for outstanding service to the gas industry in Australia. In 1999 he was appointed as an honorary member of the Association.

Derek has served on the Albury College of TAFE Board, Bicentenary Committees of Albury and Wodonga, Albury Regional Management Museum Committee and a Director of The Albury Base Hospital Board, The Albury-Wodonga Festival of Sport Committee and Age Concern Board. For twelve years he was a member of the Albury Scots School Board.