Mr Gemmill recorded 350 heritage horse troughs across Victoria.
Photo by
Shepparton News
Well-known Stanhope resident George Gemmill has died at age 89.
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Born on January 2, 1937, in Newport, Melbourne, Mr Gemmill was widely recognised across Stanhope and the surrounding district for his tireless contributions to local history, the Stanhope Fire Brigade, and the Stanhope RSL Sub-branch.
A passionate historian, Mr Gemmill created the digital archive Bill’s Horse Troughs, through which he researched, recorded, and shared stories and photographs of 350 heritage horse troughs — many located in remote scrubland — which would have otherwise been lost to history.
His wife of 36 years, Bev, accompanied him on many of his research trips across the state.
Together, they enjoyed travelling, embarking on cruises to New Zealand, Singapore, and around Australia, as well as visiting Eden to fish and catch up with friends.
Mr Gemmill was a cornerstone of the Stanhope RSL Sub-branch, which he joined on May 16, 2003.
Serving as secretary from 2007 for nearly two decades, he worked tirelessly to ensure the stories of local veterans from World War I and World War II were preserved.
Mr Gemmill was a long-standing member of the Stanhope RSL Sub-branch, where he was secretary for about 20 years.
Photo by
Shepparton News
He was also the driving force behind Stanhope’s Montevideo Maru mural, an artwork commemorating Australians lost in World War II after the ship was torpedoed and sunk.
After researching and identifying three local servicemen who were aboard, he spearheaded fundraising efforts for the mural, celebrating its official launch in 2023.
His service to the Stanhope Fire Brigade spanned decades.
Joining in 1961 as a reserve member, he became an active firefighter in 1963.
He was elected lieutenant in 1968, serving for three years before becoming captain in 1971 — a position he held for 14 years, making him the longest-serving captain in the brigade’s history.
In the early 1980s, Mr Gemmill initiated the brigade’s commitment to raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, initiating an annual tradition the brigade continues today.
In recognition of his service, Mr Gemmill received Brigade Life Membership in 1994, a 35-Year Service Award and CFA Honorary Life Membership in 1996, the National Medal in 2002, and his 45-Year Service Award in 2008.
Mr Gemmill’s community involvement knew no bounds, from the football field as a coach and trainer, to coaching swimming at the local pool.
As a member of Tidy Towns, he wrote columns for the Stanhope About Town Newsletter, volunteered at Stanhope Business Centre and volunteered at Rushworth Museum, where he was previously president.
Earlier this year, his decades of selfless service were formally recognised when he was awarded Stanhope Community Citizen of the Year and received a nomination certificate for the Campaspe Shire Citizen of the Year award.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell, (back), Dean Gemmill, (front), Bev Gemmill, George Gemmill, Uncle Rick Ronan, Neil Gemmill and Stuart Gemmill. George received a nomination certificate for the Citizen of the Year award.
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