Freeman of the City, is the highest honour that be bestowed upon a citizen by a local council. While the term orginated during medieval England, when Freeman paid fees to be allowed to trade within a city and to vote in elections, its modern meaning refers to a distinction provided by a council to formally recognise the contribution an individual makes to the local community.

This evening Maroondah City Council conferred, Ringwood North resident Bob McDiarmid as a Freeman of the City. Bob was born in Moreland in 1915 and moved to Heathmont in 1956. Bob was instrumental in establishing a tutoring service for students in English and Maths and has played a significant role in the Heathmont Branch of Australian Red Cross.

Bob also received an Australian Red Cross Service Award in 1978 and a Distinguished Service Award in 2001. In May 2007 Bob was awarded with a Life Membership from Australian Red Cross.

Bob’s continued dedication as a volunteer to Red Cross is truly exceptional and hence well deserving as being recognised as a Freeman of Maroondah.