Ian and Aileen have lived in Taree and Old Bar for more than 80 years and earlier this year moved to retirement living at Banyula Lodge, Old Bar.

In January 1939 Envoy Theo Hawkins brought his family, wife Millie and children Jack, Eric, Beth and Ian, to Taree from Scone, to the thriving corps of the Salvation Army.

Millie had been a corps officer in Barraba but was forced to relinquish full time ministry, when her breathing and health suffered as a consequence of the rescue of a child from a fire.

Generations of the Hawkins family continue to make the Manning home, including Denis and Bev Hawkins, Ken and Carol Hawkins, Terry and Ruth Wells, and Pauline and Alan Brewer.

Aileen was one of 13 children of Camille and Eileen Dureau. Many of the family are still in the area, including sisters-in- law May Dureau (wife of the late Cam), and Eileen Dureau (who lost Dick over 50 years ago), now at Forster, and their families.

Ian met Aileen, a nurse, when he was admitted to Mayo Private Hospital.

Together Ian and Aileen have served their God and their community in key roles of pastoral care and leadership in the Taree Salvation Army.

Ian, along with his two brothers, played in the Taree Salvation Army Band for more than 60 years. For many years Ian served as bandmaster.

The couple successfully established and ran a number of fruitful businesses including Taree Squash Centre in High Street, and the Old Bar Squash Centre, along with motels, milk runs and service stations.

Their family of four sons, Lincoln, Dean, Kent and Dale, and their families has been a great focus. Today, that family unit of 26 includes six great grandchildren.

Given the constraints of COVID, and the associated restriction on visits from Sydney and Canberra, Ian and Aileen have decided to soon relocate to Canberra to be closer to their immediate family, including the great grandchildren.

Ian is looking forward to doing some squash coaching again, with great grandson Jackson Michaux already making his mark in ACT Junior Pennants.

At his peak Ian played an extraordinary level of squash playing from -8 each game with the best players receiving +8 start, in games that went to 9 .He played and defeated state and national players, but chose to keep his focus on life in Taree)

Aileen's life has been a shining example of Christian care, love and service. That will continue in a new setting in the national capital.

Ian and Aileen will continue as members of their home church the Taree Salvation Army.