Michael Betts, a lifelong resident of Geelong, has been recognized for his extensive community service with an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day. At 74 years old, Betts has dedicated much of his life to addressing inequality in the region through various organizations.
Throughout his career, Betts has held key positions, including chair and director of the Barwon Regional Association for Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Committee for Geelong, and Northern Futures. He also served as a company director of United Way, which is now known as Give Where You Live. His commitment to community service extends to being a member of three Rotary clubs and presiding over the Old Geelong Collegians Association. Currently, he chairs the Geelong Community Foundation.
A Deep Connection to Geelong
Betts spent the early years of his career commuting to Melbourne, but he quickly realized that Geelong was where he truly belonged. “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,” he recalled. His decision to return to Geelong in 1980 came after the birth of his second child, a choice he has never regretted.
Betts’ connections to Geelong run deep. He was the captain of Geelong College in 1969, and he has maintained a lifelong interest in the institution. He also proudly identifies as a former player for the Geelong Amateurs football club. “It was an easy choice; I love Geelong,” he stated, expressing his enduring passion for the city.
Inspiration from Family
Betts attributes much of his community spirit to the examples set by his parents, Geoff and Betty, as well as his wife’s parents, Ray and Shirley Bennett. “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 explained. This sense of giving back has become a guiding principle for him throughout his life.
As a prominent figure in Geelong, Michael Betts embodies the spirit of community service and dedication to addressing local issues. His recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia highlights his significant contributions to the city he loves, inspiring others to engage in community-focused initiatives.
