But when Yarrawonga Godfathers President Graham Wilson bestowed Life Membership upon the man popularly known as ‘Aqua’, the recipient admitted: “This is a fair surprise. I didn’t know about it.”
Aqua was ‘out’, stumped. An emotional Aqua then uttered just two, but very important words: “Thank you.”
Mr Wilson spoke so highly of the newest Life Member at last Sunday’s Godfather Golf Day. “Aqua is one of the best organisers in the world. He could run the United Nations,” the president said. “And behind every good guy is a good wife.” Wife then Carolyn came to the stage.
Huge applause followed when Mr Wilson said: “Aqua is very worthy of Life Membership.”
There’s a lot of camaraderie among the Godfathers who total eight in number. Fellow Godfather John (Jinx) Clarke gave Aqua a big hug and told me: “For over 20 years Aqua has just been sensational. His motto is: ‘If there’s a job to be done, do it yourself!’. Talking about the United Nations, the Mexican Wall?
Aqua has been a Godfather for about 25 years and treasurer all those years. The 55-year-old production section team leader at Australian Munitions in Mulwala was named Mulwala and district’s Citizen of the Year in 2012 for his contribution to the community in many ways and for many organisations. For example, after 23 years, he retired, with the rank of deputy captain at Mulwala Fire Brigade Unit, last year.
In order of Godfather Life Memberships, it’s Ken (Pascoe) Ellis, Mick Cummins, Jinx Clarke, Mick Lawless, and now, Aqua Flanagan.
21°C