The WCA and members of the Warrandyte community were delighted and proud when it was announced that Jock Macneish had been awarded the Order of Australia medal on Australia Day 2016. Jock was recognised for services to the visual arts, and to the community of Warrandyte.
Jock is a celebrated architect, author, illustrator and cartoonist who is much admired, respected and appreciated in his hometown of Warrandyte. He has spent twenty years working in media broadcasting and another twenty as an independent communications consultant.
But it is his association with the Warrandyte Diary, since its very first edition in 1970, which has endeared him to the people of Warrandyte. Jock has illustrated almost 2,000 humorous, insightful and thought-provoking cartoons for the local newspaper.
“There are lots of talented people in Warrandyte but I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more!” said Dick Davies, President of the Warrandyte Community Association when asked about Jock’s contribution to the Warrandyte Community Association and his enthusiastic participation in numerous local organisations, ranging from theatrical to business, from specialised groups to whole-of-community bodies.
“Jock is noted for his artistic talent, his active participation in the community and his generous support to young, aspiring visual artists. So it comes as no surprise that Jock’s outstanding contributions to Warrandyte have been recognised by his being acknowledged with an Order of Australia (OAM)”, says Warwick Leeson, WCA Committee member and former Mayor of Nillumbik.
The Warrandyte Community Association, which has long enjoyed Jock’s active support and advice, heartily congratulates Jock Macneish on his well-deserved recognition at a national level.