GREATER Hamilton has lost several public figures in recent weeks.

These included Barb Dahl who long-time district residents will remember for her service to softball, netball and cricket administration.

Then on October 23, aged 84, there was Barry McGrath, part of the Ansett empire and successors in Hamilton for several decades.

McGrath came from Bendigo in the mid-70s. By 1983 he was in charge of the Hamilton branch of Ansett Motors.

As we know Howick Investments owned by Brian Grey later bought the Ansett Industries group including Ansett Motors in 1985 and renamed it Wannon.

As well as the Ford dealership this expanded group included Wannon Travel, Wannon Roadways and Wannon Agriculture.

In 1991 Barry and partner Ron Colman took over the Wannon Motors arm to trade as Baron Ford.

Before coming to town Barry was a highly-regarded player with Sandhurst Football Club.

He was a prominent member of Hamilton Golf Club, over the years serving on a number of committees.

He was privately interred at the Hamilton Lawn Cemetery.          

Anderson family – service for country continues  

 MANY readers will remember district police officer, senior constable Les “Digger” Anderson from his days at Cavendish, and long term Hamilton resident, Lexie Anderson, who worked at Hamilton Tech, which later became Baimbridge College.  

  Their granddaughter, Chloe Anderson, is today an officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Les passed away about six years before Chloe was born.

 Some months ago she graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Officer Entry Course (NEOC66).

Les and Lexie’s three sons, Lachlan, Charlie and John, all served in the navy and another family daughter, Sarah, is also currently serving.
 
 As a graduate of the 66th class at HMAS Creswell, Chloe was chosen to command the class of NEOC66. She led the ceremony in June.
 
 Whilst undertaking basic officer training, Chloe was given a captain’s commendation for “moral courage“ - an award that few attain.

Her parents, Julie and Charlie Anderson (pictured with her on the big day) and extended family are obviously very proud of this award.
 
 At the end of her officer training, Chloe was awarded the Cunningham Cup.

 This was for outstanding leadership qualities. The award is 103 years old. Her name is engraved on the trophy along with the first recipient from 1919.

 
 Chloe comes from a strong navy family. Her Dad and uncle are both navy gulf war veterans and their brother, sister-in-law and niece all have served in the navy.

Chloe joined under the undergraduate program and holds a degree in Science with a Master’s in Podiatry. She is 22 years old.
 
 It was Chloe’s cousin Sarah’s graduation that inspired Chloe to join the ADF in the first place.
 
 Chloe was posted to HMAS Watson in Sydney and looked forward to quickly starting her career as a Maritime Warfare Officer.

She is now on the ship HMAS CHOULES.