“ONE just does what one does” - these words of Cootamundra’s 2012 Citizen of the Year Russell Wray sum up his humble approach to the many community activities and charitable endeavours he has been involved in over a number of years.
Russell is perhaps best known for his unyielding commitment to the First Cootamundra Scout Group.
He has been a scout leader for 34 years, dedicating 21 years to the Cootamundra troupe.
Before becoming a leader, Russell spent nearly 10 years as a scout
himself.
With close to half a century as part of the scouting movement, Russell has helped countless children to build their confidence, learn
valuable life skills and have lots of fun.
It is a role he cherishes and while he would love someone to jump on board so he could pass on his vast experience to a new leader and cement the future of Scouts for another 21 years, Russell does not plan on leaving the group anytime soon.
When asked what keeps him involved in Scouts, Russell said “The best way to keep young is to spend time with young people”.
Russell and wife Gwenda’s four sons, Jeffrey, Malcolm, Trevor and Allan have all been through Scouts, with Trevor, who still lives locally and works at the restaurant in the Country Club, still assisting with the local troupe.
Today the Cootamundra Scout Group has seven members, up from only two a short time ago.
Russell has also spent 21 years as part of the Uniting Church in Cootamundra.
He has been on three mission trips to Mexico, building homes with the Uniting Church.
“Mexico is a fantastic place, there is a real need there and to help is incredible,” Russell said.
His three trips have centred around Tijuana, best known by some as a place to party, however Russell said for locals living in Tijuana, which sits on the border of the USA and Mexico, life is not always so merry.
Tijuana tends to attract people who have made their way from Mexico City to the border in order to find work and then don’t have the resources to make their way back.
While his extensive community work, both in Cootamundra and beyond, has never been about the accolades, Russell said he was extremely proud and honoured to be recognised.
An elaborate ruse between Council and Russell’s family ensured he and all of his scouts were on hand at the Breakfast in the Park celebrations without him knowing he was there to be announced as Citizen of the Year.
Council invited Russell and the First Cootamundra Scout Group to assist on the day. Meanwhile, Russell’s wife Gwenda got in on the act, inviting family from near and far to attend the celebration. Their children were all on hand under the pretext of helping youngest son Trevor move house, while a number of other family members simply turned up and surprised Russell on the
morning.
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