Friday September 8, 1989 was a tragic day for Diggers Rest. Melton Councillor Vernon Edward Weaver was killed in a vehicle accident in Western Australia. Cr Weaver together with fellow Councillors Jim McElroy (Shire President) and Leonie Patterson (Deputy Shire President) were returning to Melbourne following the 29th International Union of Local Authorities Congress.
It is understood that the accident occurred around 1:15am (Perth Time) about 30 km east of Cocklebiddy along the Eyre Highway.
Cr Weaver was asleep on the back seat of the vehicle prior to the accident.
At the time of his death, he was the second longest serving Councillor who served with the Council as President in 1988-89.
According to Martin (Marty) Weaver Vernon’s son, his father was the founder and first President of the Diggers Rest Cricket Club. He started the Diggers Rest Tennis Club and he was involved in the Diggers Rest Football and Bowling Clubs. He also helped establish a youth group for Diggers Rest.
He was known as a very civic minded and well liked community person. In a tribute article published in the Mail-Express September 13, 1989 the president of the Diggers Rest Football Club, Mr Laurie Pincini, spoke for many Melton and Diggers Rest residents when he reflected: “His death leaves a rather large hole in a small community.”
Inspired by the Diggers Rest History Project.
Special thanks to Tara Murray and the Melton & Moorabool Weekly.
http://www.meltonweekly.com.au/story/1794367/profile-thanks-for-the-memories-dad/