Les Gittins honoured for lifetime of quiet service

In an era where community commitment is increasingly rare, Montville’s Les Gittins stands out as a man who has quietly dedicated his life to the service of others.

From the Montville Village Association to the Rural Fire Brigade, the local school P&C to the Sports Ground and Scouts, Mr Gittins has volunteered across five organisations over more than 50 years. “Les epitomises the values of generations past where family and community work together,” said Doug Patterson of the Montville History Group, which has profiled Mr Gittins as its latest ‘Montville Gem’.

Born in 1942 on a dairy farm near Conondale, Mr Gittins spent his early years learning Italian from POWs working on the property. He later learned welding and eventually partnered in Hooper’s Engineering in Montville before purchasing his own steel fabrication business in Nambour.

He and wife Leonie moved to Montville in the 1970s after a horrifying encounter with a python in their baby’s cot. There, Mr Gittins helped build their steel-framed A-frame home — and a reputation as a tireless local volunteer.

In 1994, he became President of the Montville Village Association, later returning to steady the ship when trust was eroded by conflict-of-interest issues. He also served as Cub Leader, maintained local fire equipment, and advocated for community integrity throughout.

Now 82, Mr Gittins still walks with the Flaxton Walking Group and stays active in community life through correspondence. “He may not be at every meeting anymore,” Mr Patterson said, “but his voice still matters.”

A full profile of Mr Gittins’ remarkable life and contribution can be read at www.montvillehistorygroup.com.au with thanks to Doug Patterson and the Montville History Group.

‘Montville Gem’ Les celebrated his 82nd birthday (September 2024) with the Flaxton Walking Group at the Flaxton Barn.