Busselton farmer a happy retiree

Trevor Fisher is South West born and bred and has dedicated himself to his family, friends and community.

Born into a farming family, he was thrown into the deep end at 19 when his father died and he had to take over the farm.

In 2008, after 40 years of life on the farm, Trevor and his wife Jenny retired and moved to Busselton.

He said while growing up, Busselton was like a second home, so it seemed like a natural choice.

"My grandfather taught as a teacher at the old Wonnerup School and we've had links to Busselton for over 100 years," he said.

"My mother has lived here for 35 years and we used to spend our holidays here when I was younger, so it's always been a bit of a second home to me."

He said moving from the farm to Busselton didn't worry him, because Busselton felt like a rural community.

"I'd rung my bell and I was ready to leave farming. I don't miss it, but I miss the people. In many ways we still feel like we are living in a country town," he said.

Trevor has never been one to live a quiet life and sits on the board of many committees and clubs in Kojonup and now Busselton.

A Rotarian for 17 years in Kojonup, he joined the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay in 2009 and eventually took over as president.

One of Trevor's most influential projects in Rotary was creating the Men's Shed in 2011, which he is now the president of.

He said while living in a farming community, he watched depression take its toll on fellow farmers in the community.

"Kojonup had a reputation for depression and suicide in the farming community and it didn't take much for me to get involved with the Men's Shed and try and make a difference," he said.

"I've always been a community person and there's nothing better than seeing people enjoying themselves, and that's what Men's Shed is about - it's about having a good time and looking after your physical and mental health.

"I've seen the positive affects it has on families - on the men and on their partners."

Trevor is also a passionate Fremantle Dockers supporter and says he never misses a home game.

He said he hopes to relax more in the coming year and spend more time with his three children and four grandchildren.

He said Busselton's simpler lifestyle was like nowhere else.