Trevor Brown named Surf Coast Citizen of the Year

Mr Brown received the award at the Lions Club Australia Day breakfast in Anglesea, having volunteered his time to several different organisations over the years.

His service as a volunteer firefighter alone would merit him receiving the award.

He has served the Winchelsea Country Fire Brigade (CFA) since 2000, having joined the local brigade within a couple of days of moving to the township.

He also volunteered for the Truganina Fire Brigade for five years prior and has attended more than 700 callouts for the CFA.

Mr Brown said the many hours he spends volunteering are “about making a difference”.

“The opportunity to be able to contribute back to community, that’s the driving factor.”

His contribution to the community of Winchelsea is particularly profound.

A now retired bank manager, Mr Brown has volunteered as treasurer of Winchelsea’s Globe Theatre and the former Winchelsea Festival, which raised more than $100,000 for a new community hub at Eastern Reserve.

Mr Brown has also been secretary and treasurer of Winchelsea and District Traders and Tourism Association and completes free audits for many not-for-profit organisations.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge praised Mr Brown’s selflessness.

“Trevor is a great example of the unsung quiet achiever willing to share his time, knowledge and energy for the benefit of others and our shire.

“His dedication to his roles is outstanding, and he is a very deserving recipient of this award.

“I thank and congratulate him for his contribution to Winchelsea and shire life and thank and congratulate all Citizen of the Year nominees.”

Mr Brown said he gets plenty back from the community he gives so much to.

“Winchelsea has still got that real country feel and sense of community.

“People say do you go away on holidays, but you don’t need to because you go down to that river and you could be a million miles away.

“It’s just a really lovely lifestyle.”