Say g’day to the Shire’s Australia Day award nominees

Golden Plains will recognise some of the Shire’s best and most community minded residents and groups at a ceremony at Bannockburn Cultural Center on from 5pm Tuesday, 28 January. Until then, meet some of the nominees in this year’s Australia Day Awards for Citizen, Senior Citizen and Young Citizen, as well as the three groups in the running for Community Group of the Year.

 

Lorraine Ellis – Enfield

Nominated for her contribution to community like the Dereel Walking Group, Dereel Garden Group, Community Planning Group and the Dereel Community Hub Committee as co-Secretary. Along with others, Lorraine has been instrumental in re-establishing the Swamp Track and establishing new events at the Dereel Community Hub Café. She is also a committee member of the Rokewood RSL. Nominated for Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year.

 

Mary Foster – Meredith

A resident of Meredith for more than 30 years, Ms Foster is nominated for her dedication to the health needs of her community. A nurse, Mary was a foundation member of the Meredith Community Emergency Response Team. She’s also a member of the Lions Club of Meredith & District, and actively involved with St Joseph’s Church. Nominated for Citizen of the Year.

 

Jake Alford – Inverleigh

Active in the Inverleigh and Teesdale sporting community, Mr Alford also runs his own glazing business. He is both a sponsor of the Inverleigh Football & Netball Club, coaches the club’s Under 15s team and is a member of the Teesdale Cricket Club committee. Nominated for Citizen of the Year.

 

Gus Pearl – Teesdale

A member of the CFA for 40 years, Mr Pearl has been nominated for his volunteer work with many groups from Teesdale and the surrounding area. He volunteers his time at the Teesdale and Shelford Primary Schools, local kindergartens and the Mick Macks for events at Turtle Bend. He’s also been Santa’s helper for the Teesdale CFA for 20 years, and volunteers with the Bannockburn Lions Club. Nominated for Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year.

 

Jim Hynds – Meredith

Mr Hynds has been nominated for his dedication to the Meredith Senior Citizens Group. He joined the group to help and assist senior members of the community, and is responsible for running bus trips, as well as being a great support to all members. Nominated for Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year.

 

Matthew Jury – Maud

A volunteer member of the Lethbridge CFA for 24 years, Mr Jury joined when he was 16 years old. Now the Captain, he’s also involved with the Lethbridge Tennis Club as both a current player and committee member. Mr Jury has worked for both organisations to raise funds and recruit new members and players. Nominated for Citizen of the Year.

 

Brad McKenzie – Bannockburn

Mr McKenzie has been nominated for his work with the Black Dog Institute. A trained community presenter for the institute, which is dedicated to reducing the incidence of mental illness and its stigma, he shares his experience with schools, community groups and businesses on a voluntary basis. He also raises money for the Institute, through charity walks including from Mildura to Bannockburn, and along the Great Wall of China. Nominated for Citizen of the Year.

 

Una Miller – Inverleigh

An active member of the Inverleigh community since moving to the town 13 years ago. A life member of the Country Women’s Association, Una is a mentor for younger members and goes out of her way to assist the community. She is also an active member of the Presbyterian Church, the Progress Association and the walking group. Nominated for Senior Citizen of the Year.

 

Minh-Chau Ho – Dereel

Minh-Chau Ho has a passion for maths and languages, and is always happy to help her classmates, younger students and neighbours in their studies. She helps her Vietnamese classmates with their schoolwork, learning English and Australian culture. She also spends her spare time helping her parents with community fundraising events to support the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Ballarat Foundation. Nominated for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.

 

Community Group of the Year

Anzac Day Service, Inverleigh

The Inverleigh RSL ensures the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services in Bannockburn, Teesdale, Shelford and Inverleigh are run rain, hail or shine. The volunteer driven events are promoted nationally, and attract more than 500 visitors from across the Shire, Victoria, Australia and internationally.

 

Inverleigh Dachshund Derby

Approaching its ninth year, the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby is a mainstay on the Golden Plains community events calendar. The event is designed around families and their pets, and is open to all dogs up to 30cm at the shoulder. The Derby brings in many visitors, and locals, businesses, and sporting clubs to put on the event.

 

Bannockburn Bush parkrun

The Bannockburn Bush Parkrun event is run weekly, at the same time each week as other parkruns across Australia and the world. Participants range from infants in prams to those in their 80s and can complete the five-kilometre course at their own pace, be it 18 minutes or over an hour. Volunteer run, it has helped residents cross paths with people from different ages, social circles and locations.