General News
27 July, 2026
A lifetime of volunteering
AFTER decades spent firmly entrenched in community groups, sporting clubs and service organisations, Jack and Glenys Sharrock are now enjoying a peaceful retirement at Warrnambool’s Gillin Park.
Having raised five boys during their 60-plus years of marriage, the Sharrock’s say their lives have been busy but very rewarding.
“When I put pen to paper and write down all that we have been involved with over the years, I guess we’ve been quite busy,” Jack said.
“But it was all wonderful. We’ve always believed that when you grow up and live in small towns, and raise a family, you should give back to your local community.
“Volunteering is very rewarding and it’s something we’re big believers in. It’s important to contribute whenever and wherever you can.”
And contribute is exactly what both Jack and Glenys have done for many years.
Jack joined the Bessiebelle Hall committee in 1956, at the age of 18, and remained an active member right up until 2024.
The last 16 years of his time with the hall committee was spent as treasurer.
The Bessiebelle Fire Brigade also offered Jack the opportunity to meet new friends and volunteer his time – and after 55 years with the CFA he was presented with a service medal in recognition of his ongoing commitment and service.
For 43 years he was a member of the Macarthur and District Lions Club (where he received a James D. Richardson Award and an AJ Holding Award) and was also thrilled to be the recipient of a life membership with Bessiebelle Football Club.
“Just like service clubs, sporting clubs are also the heart of many communities and we loved our time at the footy club,” he recalled.
An enthusiastic tennis player in his earlier days, Jack was also on the Bessiebelle Tennis Club committee and the local recreation reserve committee.
“And just for something different, I also spent 25 years as a volunteer driver for Macarthur Community Health and South West Healthcare,” he added.
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“That was also rewarding and I met lots of lovely people over the years.”
Having a family of their own, Jack and Glenys were always keen to support The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Over the years they have taken part in container collections for the appeal and to this day continue to help and donate whenever they can.
Just like her husband, Glenys’ community involvement is just as comprehensive and impressive.
She was an active member of the Bessiebelle Primary School mother’s club where she held the positions of both president and treasurer.
She was also treasurer of the football ladies’ committee and helped run the canteen.
“I had some wonderful times in the footy club canteen and met many lovely ladies,” she recalled.
“The Bessiebelle Football Club also made me a life member which was very special.”
Glenys also found time to be an active member of both the Bessiebelle Fire Brigade auxiliary and the hall committee.
“I was also a member of the Macarthur Lions Club, was treasurer and secretary of the Bessiebelle CWA, president of the Infant Welfare Group and secretary for a year with the local tennis club.
“I guess when I look back at it all now we were quite heavily involved in the community; our weeks and weekends were certainly very full but they were very happy, busy times – combined with raising our five boys life was pretty busy I guess.”
