TriCare resident Gary Ostrofski has gathered quite the following among Bundaberg locals

You’ve no doubt seen him, heard about him or wondered what drives him to sit and give a wave to locals passing by. Here Gary Ostrofski explains why he loves doing what he does.

Not a minute goes by without a car horn honking as Gary Ostrofski waves to people travelling along FE Walker Street.

Gary has become somewhat of a Bundaberg celebrity as he waves from outside the TriCare facility and when asked what he thinks about the people who honk and wave he said “they must have the same feeling inside themselves as I do. I’m always happy-go-lucky.”

“Everyone says ‘why don’t you go on TV?’, I might be on Channel 9 or Ten... holy dooley! hello ma, hello pa,” he laughed.

It’s Gary’s passion for the community that inspires him.

“Why I’m waving is because I love people and they love me,” he said.

Gary has a big event coming up that’s he looking forward to - a birthday party on September 18 where he turns the big 8-0.

Giving a wave: Gary Ostrofski has become famous around Bundaberg for waving to cars travelling past FE Walker St.

He said a local radio station had offered to help run the party.

Gary also showed a number of letters and notes he‘d received from the public, thanking him for brightening up their day.

Gary has called the region home for around 50 years.  

He has three sons living around the Brisbane area and a brother who lives in the region.

Next time you’re out and about on FE Walker St you might just spot him giving a wave, tipping his hat and working to make the world a happier place.

Giving a wave: Gary Ostrofski has become famous around Bundaberg for waving to cars travelling past FE Walker St.