Max Grubb OAM
Remembered for his devotion to the community through scouts and bowls, Max Grubb was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the General Division in the Queen’s Birthday honours’ list for his service to youth through scouts.
Mr Grubb died in May last year after a short illness but today was recognised for the service, commitment and selfless-dedication as a fierce volunteer in the community.
The 85-year-old Newborough resident was a member of the Yallourn Bowling Club for 64 years and devoted almost seven decades of service to the scouting fraternity, working with dozens of young people throughout the region during his time in Scouts.
Mr Grubb became an assistant Cub Scout leader in 1952 but quickly went on to become a Rover advisor, before taking over the role of Scout leader in the mid 1960s.
However, his service in Scouts continued for several more decades, taking on the position of district commission for more than 20 years during the ’80s and ’90s.
He was also made a life member of the Yallourn Bowling Club in 2015 for his tireless efforts on and off the green, serving on the club’s board of management for 21 years, 11 of those as chairman.
During his time at the helm, Mr Grubb assisted with the extension to the clubhouse at Newborough, replaced and improved the greens and sealed the car park, to name only a few of his achievements.
In 2012 he was awarded a 60 Year Long Service Award by Scouts Australia and was named Moe Citizen of the Year in 1993.
He was made an honorary commissioner of the Victorian Scouting Association and at the time of his death was on two scouting committees in the Baw Baw District.
Mr Grubb’s wife, Helen, recalled the kind and generous man her husband was.
Speaking openly about the emotional toll Max’s death has taken on her, she recalled how her soulmate was an incredibly community-minded man.
“If he was here he would say this medal wasn’t for him, it was for the people that worked under him,” Helen said.
“He was a good leader, he be used to have a big following in the community. He gave his time to lots of community groups and I know he would be proud; he’d shocked I’d say.”
Mr Grubb was born in Ballarat in 1932 but moved to Yallourn as a young lad after his father was employed by the State Electricity Commission at Yallourn.
Yallourn Bowling Club chairman Spencer Goss described him as the “most valuable member of the bowling community” and said he did far more than what was expected of him for his community.
“He was tireless working for the club. He was there for everyone and his devotion to the club was beyond what most other people would put in,” Mr Goss said.
“His heart and soul was in the place and he spent a lot of time working for the betterment of the club.” Mr Grubb is survived by his wife Helen, and four children Alan, Debbie, Julie and Kristine.
