FRIENDS and associates of former Orange resident Graeme Wilton say they are shocked to learn the fun-loving 56-year-old had become one of the latest victims of an unprovoked act of violence when he was punched in the head while walking in a Central Coast caravan park last month.
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Mr Wilton remains in Royal North Shore Hospital with life-threatening injuries following the incident on Thursday, December 12, leaving his friends at a loss to explain how this could happen.
Mr Wilton and his wife Marlene had reportedly left Orange around 12 months ago to travel around Australia for two years and enjoy their retirement.
According to the secretary of the Ulysses Club in Orange, Karen Fuller, the Wiltons were motorcycle enthusiasts and long-term club members.
She said they both enjoyed going on rides with Ulysses Club members from Orange and Dubbo.
Mrs Fuller said club members often received email updates on the couple’s travels, including their recent visits to Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“I was totally shocked when I heard what happened,” Mrs Fuller said.
“We all send our best wishes.
“Graeme is such a fun-loving person and Marlene is very down-to-earth, she’s worked hard her whole life and will have a go at anything.”
Mrs Fuller said she was disturbed to learn Mr Wilton had been the victim of such a vicious attack.
“It’s a coward’s punch, not a king hit,” she said.
“It’s such a low act.”
Orange Credit Union general manager Paul McNamara said the staff and directors of his organisation had known Mr Wilton for some years and were concerned about his welfare.
“Our hearts go out to his family as well,” Mr McNamara said.
“We support government initiatives to track down the person who inflicted this pain on Graeme, as well as a positive movement forward in curbing this violence in our society.”
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
