The local legend has lived in Moree all his life and been involved in many community activities throughout the years.

Alf says the best thing he ever did was join the Moree Cancer Support Group in its inaugural year and witness the difference the organisation has been able to help make to the local hospital.

But Alf may be best known for his involvement with local rugby league.

You’ll see him at most of the home games taking notes at the officials’ table.

Boars’ president Todd Mitchell said he was a “terrific, old fella”.

“I think he would be the only one at his age still involved and have kept records for as long as he has. I doubt if there is anyone else in Country Rugby League, or Australia who has done what he has. It’s amazing what he does.

“His blood’s not red, it’s blue and white!” Todd said.

“He is a fantastic man and a true gentleman. You wouldn’t come across a more sincere and honest person in the world.”

Alf was born and raised in Moree.

He recalls his family’s house being the only one on the southern side of the bore drain, which continuously drained water from the baths.

“There was no town water, road or footpath to my home. Often as a young boy I would go and trap a rabbit, and the way mum would bake and season them with roast vegies is out of this world,” Alf said.

“My parents worked hard through the Depression and in those days families would look at a penny before spending it - unlike today’s spend today and worry tomorrow – but we were always clean and well fed. When I was going to school we had boots, not shoes, and when it rained we would take them off and hang them around our necks. I never had long pants until just after I was 16 and never owned a car until I was 41. I rode a bike, which I didn’t get until I was 12, or walked. Like most children my age I was taught the value of money.”

While still at school Alf would spend his weekends caddying at the then nine-hole golf course.

“One weekend I was lucky enough to be picked to caddy for the top Australian golfer, Norman von Nida. Better still after the end of the Sunday he came out of the club and gave me 30 shillings. I thought I had won lottery,” Alf laughed.

At the age of 18 Alf was called up for military service.

He served in the 53rd AA Composite Regiment at Tarakan and Borneo.

In 1946, at the age of 22, Alf was discharged and took up work with J Morgan and Co working in their general store and in 1948 he started work with John Assef where he served 57 years, working right up until retirement at 81. “It was the best place in town to work. They are like family to me,” Alf said.

In 1949 he married Beryl who shared 39 years together and welcomed two children, Richard and Susan, and two grandchildren, Tanya and Adam.

When Alf came home in ’46 he joined the Moree Amateur Swimming Club of which he had been a member since 1932.

During his involvement he worked as the committee secretary and president and helped build the clubhouse, as well as being an active swimmer, and upon his retirement in 1960 he was made a life member.

Alf was also publicity officer and columnist for the Moree Diggers swimming club.

In 1947 Alf trialled with St George football club but after being notified of his grading, had to forgo the chance to play in Sydney on the advice of doctors due to war disability.

Instead he turned to playing with East Moree in the town competition but again due to infection Alf turned to administration.

“I always loved footy and all the kids would come and play in our backyard when I was young,” Alf said. “I still remember the first football jumper I got. It had blue and white loops.”

Alf served in different positions until Moree went into inter-town competitions.

From 1951 until present he has served as secretary/treasurer of the club.

Along with his friend Burt Jovanovich, their dream was to see a league’s club in Moree, which came true. In 1972 Alf was made a life member of the club.

Since 1955 Alf has kept a record of Moree Rugby League Club players and it is recognised as one of the best records kept in the country.

Not only was Alf publicity officer for the club at one point, but he also wrote on the game and a regular column for the Champion of which he has been a contributor for about 50 years.

He also received a Country Rugby League merit award in 1999.

In 1948 Alf was approached to be time keeper and judge for the Moree greyhound club which then held its meetings at Taylor Oval.

By the end of 1949 he became stipendiary steward, a position he held until 1999.

He was the oldest club steward in Australia, and of course was honoured as a life member.

When Moree East Primary School was built he became the first president of the P&C.

Alf claimed he had no choice, but Beryl put it that if he had time for other things, he had to put his children first.

During the school’s first speech night Alf told the gathering of about 300 that he never knew that East Moree had so many orphans as there were only six or seven mothers running the tuckshop. The message must have hit home as the following year there were 35 mothers in the ladies auxiliary.

The school in later years also conferred a life membership badge on Alf and he served 17 years on P&C associations, also being a committeeman of the high school when his children got older.

After the sad passing of Beryl to cancer, Alf joined the Moree Cancer Support Group of which he has been a member for 26 years.

Alf says his greatest achievement, with the help of others, was being involved in the furnishing and equipping of a relatives room and the cancer wards.

Alf also was a mason belonging to the Lodge Courallie but in later years does not practice the craft.

He is also a member of the Moree RSL sub-branch and in 2003 received the RSL of Australia over 50 years’ service award.

Alf has been nominated for, and received many awards including mayoral awards in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

At the age of 63 Alf attended TAFE to learn the basics of typing and at 82 he learnt computer basics, which opened up a whole new world.

“There have been massive changes. I can’t keep up,” Alf laughed. Everyone used to go to the footy games and it used to be packed to the rafters at swimming but that all changed when TVs came along. It’s a pity things have changed so much.”

Alf’s secret to life is keeping active.

“Giving away smoking and drinking beer might have helped a lot,” he smiled.

“And I think walking is one of the best things you can do. I’ve just been fortunate. I’ve had a great life and certainly didn’t expect to still be sitting on the perch at 90. The best thing is getting to know so many people in Moree and the North West. And I’ve met plenty of sportspeople through my time. When you get to my age you don’t bloody worry about what you should or shouldn’t eat. I’m lucky to have wonderful children and grandchildren, and for the support of the football club. They always look after me. I just got involved in everything to help fill the time and people would come to me for my help because they knew the job would get done,” Alf said