Community award finalists announced

NOT one, but two Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale residents have been awarded Citizen of the Year awards at an annual awards ceremony earlier this month.

The prestigious Borough of Queenscliffe’s Community Service Awards Night was held at the Point Lonsdale Bowls Club last Tuesday, with the Borough celebrating the area’s most impactful residents over the past year.

Ric Lasslett and Rodney Nicholson were both named Citizen of the Year among a field of 10 nominations, with both finalists boasting extensive community contributions.

Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Ross Ebbels said on the night he was proud to be amongst so many selfless representatives of the region.

“Tonight’s celebration is about bringing together people who make our difference in our community,” Cr Ebbels said.

“It is about a meaningful celebration of your collective and in many cases, long term contributions. We acknowledge that our community is made

stronger by the care we have for one another.

“Volunteering is truly at the heart of Borough communities and can provide purpose, self-esteem, social skills, and mental health benefits to anyone who chooses to volunteer.”

Mr Lasslett has been a highly regarded member of Queenscliff’s Coast Guard unit for more than a decade, personally completing 146 rescue missions.

He has also served as an SES member for 24 years. Ms Lasslett often passes the time by raising money, promoting water safety and the services of the Coast Guard at the Queenscliff Market.

Mr Nicholson, a local photographer by trade, is a founding member of the reformation of the Point Lonsdale Board Riders in 1975 while remaining an active volunteer in the club.

He is also the longest serving volunteer at the Queenscliff Music Festival and is also involved with the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.

The Queenscliff Historical Museum was named the Community Group of the Year for its efforts in preserving the Borough’s history.

More recently, the museum has received two awards, the Volunteer Project of the Year awarded by the Victorian Museum and Galleries Association and a Commendation for the Collaborative Community History Award.