Born and bred in Geelong, Michael Betts has never wanted to live and work anywhere else.
On Australia Day Mr Betts, 74, was awarded a Member of the Order Australia (AM) for significant service to the community of Geelong, most notably with organisations that tackle inequality.
He has served as chair and director of the Barwon Regional Association for Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Committee for Geelong and Northern Futures and as company director of United Way (now Give Where You Live).
Among numerous other organisations, Mr Betts has belonged to three Rotary clubs, presided over the Old Geelong Collegians Association, chaired St Laurence Community Services (Barwon), and currently chairs Geelong Community Foundation.
He spent eight years early in his career commuting to Melbourne, but soon realised Geelong was where his heart lay.
“In 1973 I joined a small accounting firm in Melbourne…technically I lived in Melbourne for about three months, hated it, and I came back,” Mr Betts said.
“In 1980 our second child was born and I talked to Ros, my wife…I decided that professionally I would return to Geelong, and it’s been a decision I’ve never regretted.
“I was captain of Geelong College in 1969 and I’ve maintained a lifetime interest in that (institution)…I’m a proud old Geelong Amateurs footballer. It was an easy choice; I love Geelong.”
Mr Betts said the example set by his parents Geoff and Betty and his wife’s parents Ray and Shirley Bennett continued to inspire him to give his time and effort to the community.
“I understand that Geelong has been very good to my parents and parents-in-law, so you put back; that’s just what you do,” he said.
