Community celebrates over breakfast

The City of Mount Gambier honoured its 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year award winners at its January 26 breakfast.

Around 600 people attended the Cave Garden event which started with community performers on the main stage, a Rotary-cooked breakfast and then the official presentations.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM kickstarted the presentations, as well as handing out the awards.

“Our nation is truly one of freedom and opportunity,” Mayor Martin said. “We all share a stake in the future. We all have responsibility to each other. We all have something to celebrate.

“I encourage you to celebrate what it is that makes our nation great – to work hard, to contribute to community, a sense of mateship, of belonging and of prosperity.

“It is a day of mixed feelings but I hope we can move forward as one. We can’t change the past but we can change the future.

“Today we celebrate what it means to be Australian – those who volunteer their time to make Mount Gambier a better place.

“To those who volunteer in our community – thank you. Your contribution whether large or small is what makes this nation great.”

The Mayor also read a statement from Clare Scriven MLC, who was unable to attend the Mount Gambier event.

“Celebrate the Australian spirit and the values we share,” Minister Scriven said. “it’s only through dedicated, community-minded people that volunteer and contribute in many and varied ways that our region can thrive.”

Ben Hood MLC also shared his thoughts on the day prior to the award presentation.

“Australia Day is more than a date on the calendar. It brings us together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community. We hare in the joys and challenges that shape our nation,” he said.

“Giving everyone a fair go, respecting democracy and laws, freedom of speech and religion – they are the foundation of our community and our country.

“Fostering a Mount Gambier where everyone feels welcome, valued and part of the Australian family.

“Let’s embrace the spirit of mateship and continue to build a Mount Gambier we can all be proud of.”

Prostate cancer advocate Richard Harry was named Citizen of the Year and said he was both humbled as well as honoured to be nominated for this award.

“I feel I’m only part of a team that makes this wonderful community a fantastic place to live,” he said. “Being involved in any organisation also involves the understanding and cooperation of one’ family.”

He also used the platform to encourage men to get tested and finished his time in the spotlight with the words of The Seekers’ Bruce Woodley – ‘We are one, but we are many; And from all the lands on earth we come; We’ll share a dream and sing with one voice; I am, you are, we are Australian.”

Young Citizen of the Year Luke Thomson, who was awarded for his work in the mental health space, had just returned from Bali to receive his honour.

“(Winning this award was) definitely not something I set out to do – I just did everything, obviously, to help people,” Luke said.

“We’re pretty lucky to live in the community that we do – we know when to rally, when times are tough, when people need help.

“Speak up when times are tough, speak up when you’re not feeling quite right. There is plenty of support, plenty of people that will help you.

“We are working to break down the stigma of what men are supposed to be.”

Normally Kevin Douglas would have been in the MC role – he regularly plays that role for a number of community events and groups – but on January 26 he was the one in the spotlight as Senior Citizen of the Year.

“The best thing about this (award) is it has brought my family together,” Kevin said. “Unexpected, unnecessary and I am humbled.”

“We (winners) are simply representing the hundreds of volunteers in Mount Gambier.

“Volunteering is such a wonderful thing. Pays you back in spades for what you give. I would not give that up for anything.”

The Active Citizenship Award went to philanthropist Julian Mattay.

“My reaction was partly humbled, partly emotional and I did try to wriggle out of it,” he said. “I dedicate my award to the hundreds of volunteers around the city.”

Vicki Clark accepted the Community Event of the Year Award on behalf of the Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch.

“Whether you’ve volunteered at the Community Christmas Lunch for years or for just one year, it’s important to know you do make a difference,” Vicki said. “When you volunteer you offer the most priceless resource you have – time.

“The gratitude and enjoyment of those who attend the lunch is reward enough.”

PHOTO BY FRANK MONGER