The Galston Area Residents Association (GARA) has farewelled its founders, John and Beverley Inshaw, after more than 30 years of dedicated service to Galston community. They established GARA in 1993 to advocate for Galston’s rural character, environment, heritage and quality of life.
Their efforts have helped challenge a number of developments that would have serious impacts on the area. Most recently, they helped rally community to save the Johnson Road oval as parkland and valuable open space – something residents still want finalised.
Their contribution to Galston is reflected in an excerpt of this farewell speech:
Not very often does a community have the good fortune to have two people who are prepared to stand up, speak out and fight for what they believe is right for their community and its environment.
For 33 years, John and Bev have been exactly those people for Galston. They have given their time, their energy and their passion to protect the place we all call home. They have stood up for our environment, our rural character and things that make Galston such a special community.
They never did it for recognition but because they cared. Unfortunately, eventually health catches up with all of us. If it weren’t for their health, I have no doubt that John and Bev would still be fighting for Galston and its environment. This is a particularly sad day.
It is sad for John and Bev, but it is also sad for all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside them and benefiting from their advocacy.
On behalf of all of us, thank you for your dedication, your courage and for caring about our community and our environment. And thank you for giving so much of yourselves to Galston for so many years.
John and Bev, you will always have a special place in the history of our community. Thank you for everything.
George Nadwie, GARA President
