Colin flys flag with pride

Like clockwork each day, Katanning resident Colin Watson raises and lowers Juniper Bethshan's Australian flag with pride.

Mr Watson, 85, was assigned the job when he moved to the aged-care village two years ago, and the task has become part of his daily routine.

"I get up at 6 o'clock every morning, have breakfast, watch telly, pull the flag down at half-past-four, then have tea," he said. Recently, Mr Watson noticed the flag had become damaged and faded, so with the help of Bethshan manager Tamika Turich, he approached Member for O'Connor Rick Wilson for a new one.

Last week, Mr Wilson, who is a life-long friend of Mr Watson, delivered a new flag to the community and they raised it up the flagpole together.

Mr Watson, who has knowledge of the traditions of the national flag as the life member of the Katanning Volunteer Fire Brigade, and through family connections in the Australian army, said he was happy to see the new flag flying.

Ms Turich assigned Mr Watson the job of taking care of the flag because he enjoyed working for the community.

"It's been a while since he's been able to do anything for the community, so this is what he does for our little community here," she said.

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