Sadness as group disbands

A long-standing community group has disbanded because of a lack of interest from people in the community, according to its outgoing president.

An inaugural member of the Settlers Hill Residents’ Association when it formed in 2000, Gary Murfet is now involved with winding down the association.

The 63-year-old said it was sad the association was closing after being a strong advocate for the community for the past 12 years.

‘‘We tried to encourage young people to become involved,’’ he said.

‘‘People became a bit blase about the whole thing.’’

In its formative years, the group had about 80 members and meetings were held monthly at the Settlers Hill Community Hall.

Mr Murfet said the group was involved in campaigns for a post box and public telephone in the area and stopping a limestone quarry from going ahead.

‘‘We weren’t about whingeing,’’ he said.

‘‘We laid everything out with all the facts and we set about righting what needed fixing.’’

Mr Murfet, who is a volunteer driver for a number of charities, said the association would also host regular outdoor movie nights on a big screen at the oval, attracting about 400 residents.

‘‘The community really benefited from the group,’’ he said.

Last week, Mr Murfet and the two other remaining members of the association, John Gustafson and Noelene Fielding, were tasked with closing down the group.

‘‘It is quite sad that it’s finished now,’’ Mr Murfet said.

Mr Gustafson and Mr Murfet said they would continue to support the community and were both members of the Baldivis Community Association.