“Pickles” Recognised with Life Membership
A well-known Donald identity has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the town and district, with Graeme “Pickles” Harris awarded Life Membership of Donald 2000.
Anyone who has met “Pickles” will be familiar with his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking and unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of his beloved community. A natural problem-solver, he has long possessed a solutions-focused approach, identifying needs within the district and working tirelessly to help address them.
Donald 2000 itself was born from Pickles’ vision following local government amalgamations in the mid-1990s. With concerns that Donald's voice could be diminished after the council headquarters were relocated to Wycheproof, he gathered a group of like-minded community members to form Donald 2000. The organisation was created to promote, support and strengthen local tourism, industry, retail and commercial businesses, while also encouraging population growth and enhancing community wellbeing.
Over the past three decades, Pickles has played a leading role in an extraordinary number of projects and initiatives that have helped shape Donald and the surrounding district. His involvement has extended across community infrastructure, tourism development, economic growth and environmental projects.
Among the many initiatives he has helped bring to fruition are the walking track behind the Donald Swimming Pool, the establishment of Guy Fawkes Night and the annual Cracker Night barbecue, the Federation Trail, the swing bridges at Donald and Charlton, securing permission to clean out sections of the Richardson River, stormwater infrastructure and pumps to the Bamboo Reservoir, funding for the levee bank, and the highly successful Baby Boomers Festival, a two-day celebration featuring art, wine, music, parades and cabaret performances.
He was also instrumental in organising Donald 2000 community concerts, campaigning against the closure of the ANZ branch, extensive tree-planting projects, the development of the skate park and Donald Industrial Estate, community solar initiatives, the lining of the caravan park lake, television promotions showcasing the district, heating for the swimming pool, the Apex Park redevelopment including the windmill and barbecue facilities, the seaweed venture, bore water drilling projects, maintenance of the Bullock's Head structure and lookout, upgrades to the town mall and public toilets, the Corack Street park, walking tracks and tree plantings along McCracken Avenue, and support for ventures including Kooka's Country Cookies, Australian Eatwell, DID Housing, biodiesel production and the shirt factory.
Remarkably, this extensive list represents only a fraction of Pickles’ contribution to the Donald community. Through his vision, determination and willingness to champion new ideas, he has left an enduring mark on the town and helped create opportunities that continue to benefit residents today.
The recognition is a testament to a lifetime of community service, and a well-deserved honour for a man whose influence on Donald can be seen throughout the town today.
The awarding of Life Membership recognises not only his decades of service to Donald 2000, but also his lasting commitment to making Donald a stronger, more vibrant and prosperous community.
