Kyabram’s nonagenarian Keith Hindson and James (Jim) Hilder’s dedicated service to the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association has been acknowledged and rewarded.
Hindson was one of 15 inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame at a Moama function to celebrate the end of the football season. He was also bestowed with Legend status.
Hindson was the inaugural secretary treasurer of the GVFUA, holding the position from 1959-60.
This was followed by a stint as president from 1965-1966 and 1969-1970.
He was Inducted as a life member of the GVFUA in 1966.
Hindson, along with Jim Trevaskis and Pat Dalton, instigated the amalgamation of the GVFLU and Kyabram District Football League umpires to form the one body — the GVFUA.
Other Hall of Fame inductees were Pat Dalton, Owen Power, John McDonald, Tom O’Halloran, Ian Coates, Bernie Mullane, Eric Williams, Peter Barker, Peter Stein, Chris McCallum, Don Oliver, John Paterson, Greg Sidebottom and Len Hort.
Jim Hilder was awarded a life membership of the association for 23 years service.
He started umpiring with the GVFUA in 2001 and officiated as a goal umpire in 236 senior games.
He was well known for his willingness to travel to any game on any day at any location.
He has been a great supporter of umpiring, promoting its benefits to the wider community.
Hilder received his life membership along with Andrew Wright and Christine Owen.