Three ceremonies acknowledge volunteers

Glenelg Shire Council and local communities honoured the contribution that volunteers make to our communities with a series of events marking National Volunteer Week last week.

The events were also a chance to pay tribute to some outstanding local achievers, who were presented with Glenelg Shire Community Awards at the event of their choosing – Heywood, Portland and Casterton.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens paid tribute to the award winners.

“It is fitting that we present these awards during National Volunteer Week because these recipients have gone above and beyond for the community,” Cr Stephens said.

“We are blessed in Glenelg Shire to have such a dedicated pool of volunteers – we punch above our weight as the number of volunteers is above the average for Regional Victoria.

“These recipients reflect that and I congratulate them on their awards but also what they have done for their communities.”

Two awards – Arts and Culture and Diversity and Inclusion – were not presented due to a lack of eligible nominations.

Cr Stephens encouraged shire residents to get their thinking caps on to consider nominations for next year’s awards.

“There are eight awards now and we would love nothing more than to present each of them,” she said.

“I know there are a lot of worthy people out there who have yet to be recognised and I encourage you to nominate them next year.”

2024 Glenelg Shire Community Award winners

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – ROGER MIDDLETON, PORTLAND

Roger’s unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and remarkable contributions to our community have left an indelible mark on all those he has been involved with.

Roger’s passion for volunteerism is truly inspiring. For years, he has generously devoted his time, talents and skills to numerous causes and community clubs, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to making our community a better place, especially for young people and those in need.

Volunteer groups Roger has been involved with include Portland and District Relay for Life, Beats Cycle for Hope, Heathmere Football Netball Club, Colts Cricket Club, Portland BMX and the Portland Touch Football Association.

Roger is well and truly a deserved winner of the Glenelg Shire Citizen of the Year, joining an illustrious honour roll of past winners.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – ALAN ELIJAH, CASTERTON

The first winner of the Glenelg Shire Outstanding Achievement Award is Alan Elijah.

Alan has spent countless hours in service of the Casterton community.

He was instrumental in advocating for quality Aged Care for the Casterton community.

Altogether Alan has volunteered on the Edgarley board, including as chairman and finance committee chair, for more than 13 years.

He has demonstrated long term commitment to Edgarley and the Aged Care sector, including through a substantial period of change and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the support of local leaders, Alan played a key role securing funding and overseeing the successful redevelopment project, which will have a lasting impact on the community.

Other volunteer groups Alan has been involved with include the Casterton Bowling Club, where he has been the chairman since 2019, the Casterton Cemetery Trust since 2005, the Casterton Tennis Club (Lawn and Sacred Heart) and the Casterton Badminton Club.

SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – WENDY DOWLING, DARTMOOR

Wendy has been recognised for her generations of passionate advocacy, promotion and coordination of projects to benefit the local community of Dartmoor.

As the long-standing president of the Dartmoor Progress Association she has led many transformational projects which have strengthened the local economy, boosted tourism and supported community well-being.

Visitors to the town always comment on the clean and tidy streetscape which is testament to Wendy’s excellent leadership and coordination of progress association activities, including operating the town’s communal lawnmower.

This coordination has supported the attraction of countless Tidy Town awards, setting the benchmark for other communities to follow.

Dartmoor’s famous wood carvings, delivered through Wendy’s coordination, are considered one of the region’s most famous attractions.

Wendy was also instrumental in attracting State Government funding to build the town’s iconic rail precinct into a picturesque walking trail.

The list of projects continues with the Village Green Revitalisation Project, improving the community meeting space.

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – PORTLAND DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB

The Portland Dog Obedience Club is a purely volunteers run community organisation.

Volunteers work tirelessly every Sunday to ensure pet owners can manage dog behaviour and control their animals, ensuring a safe community.

Their work aligns strongly with the Glenelg Shire Council Domestic Animal Management Plan.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – MARK TAYLOR, PORTLAND

Mark has been a volunteer at the Portland Library for over 35 years.

He is a very valued member of the community and Library staff.

Mark’s contribution to the smooth running of the library includes returning and shelving items as well as several other tasks.

He is always punctual and never complains about anything.

He is polite, friendly and always willing to help the community when needed.

YOUTH CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – HAYLEY PUMPA, HEYWOOD, AND AJAY SONTI, PORTLAND (JOINT WINNERS)

Hayley is a 17-year-old student at the Portland Bay School, where she is a school captain.

She is very involved in community events in Heywood and Portland.

Hayley has advocated for Portland Bay School to raise money through Shark Pitch for exercise equipment to be built on the oval near the school for all the community to be able to use. She works at the Shell service station in Heywood and helps out at the Speedway. She has had many successful work placements within the community.

Other organisations Hayley is involved with include Meals on Wheels, Girl Guides and the community gardens.

Ajay is a 13-year-old student at Portland Secondary College who has demonstrated dedication and commitment to the community through his leadership, positive influence on peers, and outstanding contributions to various community events.

His enthusiastic attitude, attention to detail, and leadership are evident in all areas when participating in community events.

Ajay’s hardworking mindset, combined with his humbling personal attributes, truly set him apart as a deserving candidate for this award.

Ajay has also excelled in many other areas including winning the Victorian junior public speaking competition, and being invited to speak at the Shrine of Remembrance Schools ANZAC service where he delivered a speech to 5000 students.