Referee Ian Eastman marks 50 years on the field

WHEN Turramurra referee Ian Eastman first donned whites and whistle in 1963 the rule book fit in his pocket.

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WHEN Turramurra referee Ian Eastman first donned whites and whistle in 1963 the rule book fit in his pocket and there were no female referees.

But this year Mr Eastman, 61, will celebrate his 50th year refereeing local rugby union and his friendly face on the field will be seen for a few years to come.

"Fifty years is a milestone for anyone in any voluntary capacity and I have enjoyed every minute of it," he said.

"They say it's the best seat in the house being a referee and I would encourage more people to get involved in refereeing, male and female."

The father-of-three was recently honoured with the Ku-ring-gai Council Outstanding Service to the Community Award. Mr Eastman has also served as a Justice of the Peace since he was 21, established the South Turramurra Community Fire Unit and has been a Community Fire Unit team co-ordinator for fourteen years.

He said he thought the award was "wonderful" and that he was "a little bit humbled".

"I have volunteered for lots of things. I enjoy giving back to the community," he said.

"I have slowed down a fraction but I have another few years left. We always need people to put something back into rugby. It's great fun and it certainly does help out."

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

* Turramurra referee Ian Eastman will celebrate his 50th year as a local referee this year

* He was recently honoured with the Ku-ring-gai Council Outstanding Service to the Community Award

* He has served as a Justice of the Peace since he was 21, established the local area South Turramurra Community Fire Unit and has been a Community Fire Unit team co-ordinator for more than fourteen years

* He has been an baseball umpire and referees OzTag competitions. He has also been a coach, manager and player with the Lindfield Rugby Club