Alan has spent his life living up and down the Mid North Coast before officially moving to the Hastings from Sydney in 1971.

He has fond memories working as the district forester in Taree, Wauchope, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.

“I guess some of the highlights would be graduating university, marriage, children and being able to do a job I am so passionate about,” Alan said.

“When I was studying my work took me all over the country and throughout my life, my work as a forester has taken me all over the state.

“I think it has been really interesting to be able to learn and care for our forests because they are all so wonderfully diverse and complex.”

Alan said one of the proudest moments in his career was helping to deal with one of the biggest bushfires in NSW.

“It was a big deal because it really did change the way we thought about bushfire reduction and thankfully no lives were lost.”

Alan was a part of the Lions Club for 50 years, moving from the Apex club when he became too old.

A few pieces of wisdom Alan said he carries with him include embrace every chance and keep laughing.

“I think it is important to keep active and healthy so do it while you can, enjoy what you can because you only get one chance, stay social and be happy.”

To celebrate his milestone birthday, Alan and his wife Val have booked a cruise down the Murray River in South Australia.

“I have had the chance to travel around Australia and the globe  so I have always tried to stay healthy and active.

“It is so important as you get older to laugh and get out as much as you can.”

Wife, Val Edwards said she can’t imagine life without him.

“I have had him for 65 years, and we have had some of the best times together,” Val said.

“We have always had pretty good health and have been very fortunate to lead the life we have and do.”