Any person able to inspire my husband of over 35 years to voluntarily venture into the kitchen without so much as an iota of trepidation, eagerly determined to expand his culinary skills beyond vegemite toast, is a truly extraordinary individual. Bill Clarke or ‘Ginger Slice Man’ as he is affectionately known in my family, achieved just that!
Track Care WA is a volunteer organisation that has been going strong for over 28 years and although Bill has only been a member of Track Care WA for a few years, his generosity and determination to make a difference to our community is well renowned and regarded. So, apart from Bill, no one was at all surprised that he was acknowledged at the recent Jurien 2020 Tending the Tracks Alliance event as the Volunteer of the Year.
Bill is the sort of guy who shares his time and talents, without seeking accolades, for the sheer joy of helping and giving back. Bill is always prepared to be involved: from clean ups at Yeagarup, the Mundaring Power Line Track and the Karara Block; to helping to establish the new Wanagarren Nature Reserve Track and participating in all Tending the Tracks Alliance events over the last 12 months. Not only does Bill get his hands dirty to get jobs done, but he also fills the bellies of other volunteers with delicious morsels that he bakes specially – delectable biscuits, heavenly slices and seriously, the most scrumptious sausage rolls in WA! A true master chef!
As a lad, Bill grew up in Cunderdin and maybe that explains his affinity with and desire to care for the land. According to his daughter Tracey, he is just a great guy whose passion is to bring joy to the lives of other people and to give back to the world. A sentiment that all Track Care WA members and Tending the Tracks Alliance volunteers would whole heartily agree.
