Here's why Tony Davis is often called the 'Hello Gun Man' about town

Because the unual moniker is one of respect and affection, and is quite accurate as 83-year-old Tony has been a starter for the town's Little Athletics for 53 years.

Tony and his wife Margaret came to Kyneton in 1970 when he went to work as a technology teacher at the high school.

Along with some other teachers and locals he helped found the Kyneton Little Athletics and has been a volunteering stalwart ever since, working as a starter, line marker and committee member representing the group at regional and state conferences.

In honour of his dedication to Little Athletics Tony was recently awarded the Volunteer Commitment Award in the 2023 Volunteering Victoria Awards.

Over the years Tony has seen children and then their children, and even their grandchildren coming through Little Athletics and he says he has enjoyed every moment of it.

"I get such a lot of great feedback from the kids and their parents. I've made some great friendships and people still stop me in the street to say hello or for a chat.

"Little Athletics has been an important part of the lives of many of the people living in Kyneton."

In addition to volunteering with Little Athletics, Tony helped out with his sons' soccer and daughter's rowing teams after they left Little Athletics.

Tony said he was very proud to get the award but says however much he put into his volunteering over the years he has reaped far more.

After retiring as a teacher in 2001, Tony took up a new job at the high school as its maintenance man working in that role for a further 20 years retiring a second time at the age of 80.

He is also a keen cyclist and part of a local cycling group although admits his 12 km rides have dropped down to six or seven.