A South West educator and environmental advocate has celebrated his 90th birthday in style, surrounded by family and friends.

On Saturday, Australind’s George Mardon celebrated the major birthday milestone at the Mantra Lighthouse in Bunbury, surrunded by those wanting to celebrate his lifetime of service to education, sailing, the environment and the Australind community.

Born in Kalgoorlie in 1936 and raised largely in Busselton, Mr Mardon attended Bunbury High School and boarded at Craig House, taking on a teaching job in his later years.

His teaching career took him to Bridgetown, Governor Stirling Senior High School in Midland, Harvey Agricultural College, Collie and Newton Moore Senior High School and seven of Mr Mardon’s former students attended his birthday celebration, including four now in their 80s, one in his 70s and two in their 60s.

Beyond the classroom, Mr Mardon has dedicated decades to the South West community through the Bunbury Sailing Club, Leschenault Catchment Council, Green Teach South West and the Beenup Consultative Committee.

Mr Mardon was awarded life membership of the Leschenault Catchment Council in 2023 and designed and supervised the construction of the Leschenault Catchment Council’s environmental education trailer, which enables volunteers to deliver environmental lessons to about 400 students each year.

The project has been operating since 2014 and, at 90, Mr Mardon remains an active volunteer presenter.

His service to Australind was recognised with a Shire of Harvey appreciation award in 2017 for his outstanding volunteer contribution to the community and as a lifelong sailor, Mr Mardon served as Rear Commodore of the Koombana Bay Sailing Club and held numerous committee positions over many years.

He continued sailing on Koombana Bay well into his 80s, following a passion for the sport spanning more than seven decades.

George’s three children, five of his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren all attend his birthday celebration