Treasure gave hope

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong Living Treasure Graham Thomas has died aged 59.
Mr Thomas, a strong advocate for blind and visually impaired people, was well-known in his home town of Noble Park.
Mr Thomas was born in 1948 in Carlton and worked in the printing industry for 15 years, followed by roles at Loys drinks and Rothmans.
He had four children and as a parent became actively involved in the Noble Park Junior Football Club working on the committee and as a team manager.
But at age 42, Mr Thomas was diagnosed with an extremely rare eye disorder, which developed rapidly, leaving him almost blind.
While attending a range of quality living and peer training courses conducted by Vision Australia, Mr Thomas felt there was a need in the City of Greater Dandenong for a group to assist vision impaired people.
In 1994, Graham gathered 11 people to meet for lunch at the Noble Park RSL and by 2000, membership had grown to more than 100 people.
Mr Thomas organised guest speakers and regular outings, assisting others to find friendship and a sense of worth in their lives.
In addition, Mr Thomas assisted in establishing groups in Dandenong, Cranbourne and Glen Waverley, and was also a member of the Disability Reference Group for the City of Greater Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said Mr Thomas was made a Living Treasure of the City of Greater Dandenong for his valuable services to the vision impaired.
“Graham accepted the challenge of leader of the Noble Park group which was comprised of both vision impaired and their partners and friends,” he said.
“Under Graham’s leadership the group met fortnightly for lunch with a guest speaker each month.
“He provided continuous support, hope and encouragement to the vision impaired,” he said.