Awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2013.
Nomination
That George Carter be elected Honorary Life Member.
We propose that consideration be given to awarding Honorary Life Membership to George Carter for his exceptional service to the Club.
George joined the Club in September 1985 so 2013 will be his 28th year as a member. Soon after joining he became an active leader and was Assistant Walks Secretary in 1986-87 and Walks Secretary in 1987-88. He led very interesting and often challenging day and multi-day walks every month or so over many years. He had a very strong following of Club members and there was a waiting list for most of his walks. According to Club records, George has led 70 day walks, 115 weekend walks and 21 walks of 3 days or longer, a grand total of 206.
His walks to remote areas in the Budawangs were particularly popular. His planning was always meticulous and his navigational skills were exceptional. He also led walks to many other areas including the Blue Mountains, Kosciuszko, Namadgi and Wadbilliga National Parks, the Wanganderry Tableland and a number of coastal areas.
George decided to write a series of articles for the Club magazine about finding your way in the bush. The articles were then published as a booklet and ultimately revised and published as a book by the Club, Finding Your Way in the Bush in 2007. As always George was meticulous in ensuring the accuracy of the information and spent a huge amount of time researching, writing and selecting photographs and other illustrative material to ensure that the publication was of a high standard and would reflect positively on the Club.
In November 2006, George was approached by the then Club President Rene Davies to take on the role of Treasurer, as the position was not filled at the Annual General Meeting. He agreed on the understanding that he be allowed to completely review and update the Club accounts, which he did. He also implemented revised payment arrangements including the ability to pay annual subscriptions by direct bank transfer.
George was Treasurer for 6 years until the 2012 Annual General Meeting when he decided to stand down because of ill health. As with his other Club activities, he undertook the role of Treasurer with extraordinary dedication.
It is for the reasons outlined that we strongly support the nomination of George to be awarded Honorary Life Membership.
John Thwaites and Eric Pickering, published in It, Feb 2013.
