Vale Nick Massie, Sept 2020

Nicholas John “Nick” Massie. Born 1 August 1949 in Shrewsbury, England, died 20 August 2020, Newham, Australia

Nick was a kind and very generous member of the Newham Community for 16 years. He became involved in many groups in our community over that time.

Nick was a founding member of the Newham District Landcare Group from its beginnings in 2004. He accepted a committee position in 2006 and served as President from 2015 through to 2018, continuing on committee until his death. During this time Nick helped to source and administer grant funding, organise events and collect newsletter items – his impeccable rainfall records have been features of our newsletter since 2015. Nick was always an active participant in Roadside Management Group working bees, and in planting at Hanging Rock and on private properties. He was a great advocate for Clean Up Australia Day, organising us all to participate every year in Newham.

He was a staunch supporter of Newham Primary School’s Landcare planting and clean ups which included moving play equipment and assisting in making the slide tunnel.

Nick was a member and Treasurer of the Newham Hall Committee for many years. One of the things  that stands out was his persistence in project managing the hall renovations. This was a difficult time for all involved. But he kept his good humour and was determined to finish the job although the builder went AWOL.

Nick was a member of the Newham Local Planning committee, one of his main roles being to manage the building of the tennis court at the primary school and the BBQ facilities at Wesley Park.

The trees that now flank the road into Newham are an example of his tenacity. He overcame the objections of Vic Roads to get this to happen and did the Summer watering to keep them alive.

Our village’s rural feel owes a lot to Nick’s resolve in making sure inappropriate development was kept at bay through his knowledge of council procedures.

All of us at NDLG offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to Nick’s beloved wife Sue, a wonderful support to Nick throughout their long and happy marriage and his final illness.

There are some lovely photos and tributes to Nick, and a livestream of his funeral, at https://tjscott.etributes.com.au/etributes/nicholas-massie/

Thanks to Fran Spain for helping with this tribute