Like many of others in our community Jim Clark is a volunteer. However, what makes Jim stand out is the length and breadth of his volunteering - he has been at it for 37 years.
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The 1st Merimbula Scouts group leader was among the recent awardees of the Bega Valley Shire Community Service Medallions.
Jim started volunteering when he joined Apex in 1982 in the rural Victorian town of Ararat. In 1985 Jim moved to the Far South Coast where immediately joined Merimbula Apex and became president.
Jim was involved in the creation of barbecue facilities at Merimbula Bar Beach, supporting the Merimbula Jazz Festival, free swimming lessons for the Merimbula community, creation of houses for underprivileged kids in Shoalhaven Heads, the Nyngan flood relief effort in 1990, and much more.
Between 1989 and 1995 Jim and his wife Nancy also were on the original Pambula Community Pool Committee. Jim and Nancy were joint treasurers and were involved with construction, landscaping, tree planting and maintenance of the pool.
But Jim's great passion, apart from Nancy, has been 1st Merimbula Scouts. He started as a Scout leader in 1992 and is still at it today, mentoring and educating local youths. He has been awarded nine Scout awards, been to numerous Australian Jamborees and held 1st Merimbula Scouts together as the sole leader on at least three occasions over his 27 years of service.
In his spare time Jim volunteers for NSW Parks And Wildlife Service where he checks breeding grounds for the endangered hooded plover.
When asked about the Community Service Medallion Jim said, "I accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers, but personally would like to thank my wife Nancy who has supported me throughout".
The medallion was presented as part of the council's National Volunteers Week celebrations.