A retired farmer, keen tractor restorer and driving force behind the Merriwa Men’s Shed was found ‘lost for words’ recently after receiving an award for service to the community of Merriwa.
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Jim Alker, Merriwa Men’s Shed founding member and president, said the NSW Seniors Week Local Achievement Award was a complete surprise.
“It’s very nice to be recognised.
“I am grateful someone thought I’d done a good enough job to get a mention,” Mr Alker said.
“I don’t need the accolades.
“There is a lot of satisfaction seeing the men’s shed grow from nothing to what it is today with the new building, equipment and members using it,” he said.
Before the men’s shed was established, Mr Alker was also president of the Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre (MTWC), another project close to his heart.
“The MTWC caters for a lot of people.
“It’s in a central location which is good for visitors and great for the community as it gives people a place to display and sell their handicrafts.”
Mr Alker said he enjoys being an active member of the community.
“I was born in Boggabri and we moved to Merriwa in 1977 so I’m not quite a local as I haven’t been here 50 years - yet.
“When you come to a place and you live in it, I think you should give something back.
“That’s all I’ve been doing,” he said.
