Citizens of the year celebrated

BALLARAT’S new Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year were crowned at Civic Hall last week at the City of Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards.

Founder of not-for-profit Ballarat Babies Above, Allanah Crameri, was named Citizen of the Year. Ms Crameri lost her son Lenny in 2022, and the organisation is a support group for parents whose infants have passed.

She also coordinates Ballarat’s Walk to Remember, raising funds for Red Nose, and has organised workshops and lunches for bereaved parents.

Young Citizen of the Year, Noah Quick was honoured for his role as a former student leader at St Patrick’s College with strong social justice values, and for his football umpiring. The 2024 St Pat’s School Captain received the Sir George Devine Treloar Award for Community Service in 2023, Purton Oratory Winner 2024, St Patrick’s College

Principal’s Award for Excellence 2024, and Gregory Francis Noonan Pillar of the College Perpetual Award 2024.

Ballarat Carols by Candlelight was named Community Event of the Year for promoting unity, and bringing families and people of all ages and backgrounds together for a free evening of entertainment during the festive season.

“I wish to congratulate Allanah Crameri, Noah Quick and the volunteers involved in delivering the Ballarat Christmas Carols,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves.

“They have all enriched Ballarat through their selfless service to others. It is an absolute honour to recognise them through the Australia Day Community Awards.”