David Hookey is a 32-year Moorabool resident and hardware salesman that has been a CFA member for a half-century, and a member of Ballan Rotary for 21 years who, in January was the recepient of the Mayor Award at Moorabool council’s 2024 Australia Day awards. He spoke to Star Weekly about his connection to the area.
I’m a hardware salesman in Ballan and a happy resident and member of the
Ballan community for over 30 years now.
Tell us about yourself?
I have a great work-life balance here in our town. I’m lucky to enjoy my work days at Ballan Hardware and my free time riding my bike, working on my jobs at home and helping out in different ways where I can. It’s a nice pace.
Tell us about your involvement with Ballan Rotary?
Ballan Rotary was very active in our community for almost 30 years. It was a fantastic way to develop some life long friendships and importantly, to give
service to the community both local and abroad. It’s been a privilege to be able to give back and to continue doing so.
Tell us about the Mayor’s Award 2024 how did it feel to be recognized?
So many people in our community help quietly behind the scenes in a variety of different ways, making a big difference. I’m only one of these people. It’s true that the benefits of helping out and contributing to something bigger, comes back to you. I’m very grateful to have been nominated and grateful for the experiences I have had.
Tell us about your connection to Ballan?
Growing up in Bacchus Marsh, Ballan was always on my radar. I moved here in 1987, began working at Ballan Hardware in 1993 and was lucky enough to
have built on a block of land in town that I love. Ballan is home.
What do you like about where you live?
Ballan is still a country town at heart. I like the people – those I meet through work and through the different activities I am involved in. I love the streetscape and our coffee shops. I like the art that continues to pop up in our main street. I like the effort put into our beautifying our railway station and parklands. People care. I like being able to ride my bike to work and be
home in about three minutes. I love living by the river. I like knowing people. We are a very lucky community and a sense of community is now more important than ever.
What would you like to change (if anything) about where you live?
Not too much because we’re fortunate. A secondary school would be great for our youth.
What is your favourite local place to spend time?
Fantastic Flowers is always a great place to go for a coffee, a treat and some friendly banter. We’re lucky we have so many quality venues to visit for food
and drink in our area. I enjoy riding in the Blackwood area through the forest. It’s a special place. It’s quiet, rugged, challenging and there’s always something new to see.
