Left to right –  Geoff Shepherd shaking hands with Bill Dougherty, Kevin Hogan, Phil Bellety and Jim Simmons Image: Jude Myers

Clarence Village Limited [CVL] founding member Bill Dougherty OAM, has retired from the board of directors. The sad announcement was made at the Clarence Village Limited’s annual general meeting, which was held on Monday. In his annual report, Chairman of Clarence Village Limited Geoff Shepherd paid tribute to Mr Dougherty. “I am sad to convey that my long time friend and mentor Bill Dougherty OAM has decided to retire as a director at this AGM, after 48 years of service to Clarence Village,” Mr Shepherd said. “While Bill will retire as director, he intends to maintain a close interest in the continued wellbeing of all residents.” CVL CEO Phil Belletty said that a significant milestone was reached this year with the retirement of both Mr Dougherty and the late Joan Muir, who passed away earlier this year. “These foundation members were instrumental in identifying the need for accommodating seniors in Grafton, having the foresight to plan and construct appropriate accommodation and their flexible thinking allowed them to evolve the organisation through the stages of Retirement Village living, Residential Aged Care and supported living to where we are today,” Mr Belletty said. William Matthew (Bill) Dougherty was the inaugural chairman of a steering committee set up over 40 years ago at a public meeting sponsored by Grafton City Council and subsequently of the organisation that became known as Clarence Village. Mr Dougherty who received an OAM for his service to the Aged and Community has been a leading influence behind charitable and aged care organisations in the local community since 1968. The board of directors took the opportunity to thank Bill for his farsightedness, drive, compassion and love, care for others that he brought to Clarence Village and Dougherty Villa and continues to bring. A special thanks was also conveyed to his wife Dot for her personal support to Clarence Village and for her support of Bill over the years.