In what was described as “a fitting occasion for a champion bloke and a champion of the turf”, Donnelly was presented with his life membership certificate in front of his family in a ceremony at the club’s Christmas race day on December 14.
"He was absolutely delighted, he had all of his family come from all over Victoria for the occasion, and he was absolutely thrilled,” ex-bookmaker and 50-year member Paddy O’Brien said.
“The chairman of the club, Mr Greg McNulty, did the introductions, and he was presented with his life (membership) certificate and his name appeared on the life members’ board.”
Having arrived in Benalla as a stock and station agent working for Victoria Producers, Donnelly has gone on to become the longest serving member in club history, involved in various roles and projects at the club, and even meeting his wife, Faye, at the races.
“Kevin would be about 93 at the moment, and he is obviously in the latter stages of his life, but he had been a very active member up until the last 12 months,” O’Brien said.
“Not only that, but he was an honorary bookmaker’s supervisor for 14 years before Racing Victoria put their staff into the position.
“He was one of the main people to help get town water out to the race club when we didn’t have any back in the ’70s and ’80s, probably 40 to 50 years ago.
“Kevin was a fearless punter, loved the track, loved a bet and never missed a race meeting. So, you’ve got this local stock and station agent and businessman, that arrived in Benalla at the age of 23, and never left.”
It is an honour that is not handed out lightly at Benalla Racing Club, with Donnelly the first person to receive life membership in five years.
He becomes just the fifth living life member of Benalla Racing Club.
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