The Heart of the Town
He’s never trained as a teacher but sit down with Wally Barton for a minute and you’ll learn a thing or two about life.
The former machinery salesman and representative has called Dalby home for nearly 45 years and since retiring has immersed himself in voluntary pursuits.
“Genuine human empathy is often undervalued,” Wally has found through his experience of the mechanics of life.
“Just having someone lay a hand on your shoulder or give you a pat on the back can mean so much to so many people.”
As Chairman of the local Cancer Council, member of the Relay for Life Committee, Christian community worker, Meals-On-Wheels volunteer with wife Betty and qualified palliative carer through Community Health, Wally often interacts with locals who need a ray of sunshine in their day.
One of his favourite roles is bus driver for the Blue Care organisation transporting their clients across the district each week for a spot of fishing, a show at the Empire Theatre or simply a scenic tour of the country.
Wally is also a life member of the Dalby and District Junior Cricket Association having served a number of years as secretary, then chairman, while his three children were growing up.
Now a grandfather, Wally is always up for a chinwag, a helpful hobby in the work he does.
“I really enjoy talking to people, it’s a lot of fun. My wife would say, ‘That’s right, it’s what he does best!’” Wally laughed.
Each of us are indebted to the local volunteers who care enough to give freely of their time for the sake of the community’s wellbeing.
“Dalby’s been good to me and I’ve always found it a warm and friendly town,” he says appreciatively.
All credit to people like Wally who earned Dalby that very reputation.