Celebrations of the Australian spirit

AUSTRALIA Day saw the presentations of the 2018 Surf Coast Shire Australia Day Awards, given to the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year at celebrations in Anglesea and Torquay.

Shire mayor David Bell said he looked forward to the awards and honouring deserving community spirit. “We were excited to recognise two of our outstanding local citizens and one exceptional community event, for the invaluable contributions they make to our community.”

This year’s recipient of the Citizen of the Year was Julie Stevens, an avid volunteer and organiser for many local groups, including Plastic bag Free Torquay.

Young Citizen of the Year was 18-year-old Dan Smith for his countless hours patrolling Surf Coast beaches, volunteering for Bellbrae CFA and the Torquay Marine Rescue Service.

The Event of the Year went to the Lorne Pier to Pub. The awards recognise local citizens and groups who make an extraordinary contribution to our local community and are presented on behalf of the National Australia Day Council.

The Anglesea barbecue breakfast was held at the Anglesea Riverbank featuring Australia Day ambassador Dave Jacka OAM, face painting and entertainment by Billy Tea Bush Band, while the Torquay Australia Day barbecue was held at the Taylor Park Rotunda featuring Australia Day Ambassador Diane James AM, face painting and entertainment by young Surf Coast musician Momoko Rose.

For more information on the recipients, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au and search “Australia Day Celebrations”.