Generous borough locals honoured on Australia Day

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has honoured local people and organisations during its 2019 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Bob Merriman said the borough community was a generous one, where people contributed for the benefit of others.

“The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the impact of this generous spirit on the wellbeing of the entire community,” Cr Merriman said.

“It is very satisfying for council to be able to identify and recognise a cross-section of local people and organisations with these awards.”

Having worn many hats in his service to the borough community, Graham Christie JP was honoured with the Citizen of the Year award.

A Justice of the Peace, former councillor, Chair of the local Business Association, and cricket
coach, Mr Christie has also played a major role in the organisation of the annual March and Service for Anzac Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

He was instrumental to the 2018 Remembrance Day March and Service marking 100 years since the end of World War I, coordinating schools, community groups and organisations to participate in the anniversary ceremony.

The 2019 Borough of Queenscliffe Citizen of the Year Award follows the prestigious Shrine of Remembrance Medal presented to Mr Christie in 2018.

Ruby Dalton was honoured with the Young Citizen of the Year award for stopping to help a man who had suffered a heart attack while cycling.

Demonstrating courage and presence of mind beyond her 16 years, Miss Dalton performed CPR and defibrillation, with two other community members,