After more than 10 years of dedication as a volunteer at the Grafton Regional Gallery, 93-year-old Bill Graus ended his service with a bang at December’s volunteer’s Christmas party. Bill was presented with his final Avron award to the applause of many. Originally from Holland, Bill and his wife migrated to Australia in 1960. They eventually moved to the Clarence Valley with their four children after falling in love with the area while travelling with friends and family. The couple owned and operated a successful bike shop in South Grafton. After his wife died, Bill retired and started volunteering at the gallery. Bill said he had enjoyed all aspects of volunteering at the gallery, especially interacting with fellow art lovers from the community. “I started volunteering at the gallery to keep myself busy and meet new people,” he said. “I especially loved the coffee.” Gallery director, Jude McBean, said it was due to the dedication of their volunteers the gallery was able to present the services and exhibitions it did to the community. “It’s thanks to people like Bill donating their time and being passionate about the gallery that make it such a great place to visit,” she said. “Bill will be a sadly missed part of the Grafton Regional Gallery volunteers. He is a unique and talented person who speaks many languages, which helped with our visitors from Europe. He plays the piano and is an avid reader. “We look forward to his visits and wish him the best of luck for the future.”