Polwarth Medal recipients announced

TORQUAY “Rubbish Ranger” Dean Walton is the recipient of this year’s Polwarth Medal, awarded at a community gathering last month to honour volunteers from across the electorate.

Mr Walton has been a familiar sight over the past few years along the Great Ocean Road as he has taken it upon himself to keep the stretch of road between Torquay to the Anglesea roundabout, and the popular Torquay foreshore public spaces, clean of rubbish.

Regularly seen by the community on his bike towing a trailer, Mr Walton works close to the equivalent of a full-time job as a Rubbish Ranger, spending up to 35 hours per week picking up rubbish.

Other nominees recognised by Polwarth MP Richard Riordan on the day were:

Leanne Whitehead, for volunteering across a diverse range of local clubs and organisations in the Timboon area, known as Timboon’s “Mrs Everywhere”

Jo Halley, for the formation of the Wednesday Ocean Waders, an informal group that meet in the early hours of the morning to go waist deep in the cold ocean water

Rob Lytzki, for 30 years of work and as the founder of Foundation 61, which provides live-in programs for men and women to overcome addiction, through two residential facilities

Jason Cichocki, for founding Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue, in which he has been driving the length and width of Polwarth rescuing native animals for 10 years, and

Glenn Rippon, for his long-term commitment to Region 6 CFA, the Colac Otway Roadsafe & Driver Reviver, as well as the Colac Angling Club and stocking Lake Colac with fish.

‘What a great afternoon we had at the Polwarth Medal Awards celebrating all those volunteers nominated for their dedication and hard work that gives so much back to the community,” Mr Riordan said.

“I would like to congratulate Dean Walton on being this year’s Polwarth Medal Recipient for his outstanding work as the Torquay Rubbish Ranger.

“I also congratulate the other nominees, Jo Halley, Rob Lytzki, Leanne Whitehead, Jason Cichocki and Glen Rippon for their hard work, care and dedication to their local communities.

“We know that many people give up their time and dedicate it to contributing to the community on so many levels.

“It is this kind of selfless work that really brings people together and fosters a great sense of community cohesion; the Polwarth Medal is awarded to recognise that work.”

To make a nomination for the Polwarth Medal or to find our more, email Mr Riordan at [email protected] or phone the Polwarth office on 5231 5046.