Shire celebrates Australia Day

THE Surf Coast Shire has recognised some of its community champions in its 2019 Australia Day Awards.

Surf Coast Shire Australia Day 2019 Citizen of the Year Jason Cichocki performs between 700 and 1,000 animal rescues a year.

He said he is not sure of the precise number, but is sure of his motivation.

“It’s plain and simple: I love the animals. As far as I’m concerned, the animals are my family, and you’d do anything to help a family member in trouble.”

Mr Cichocki accepted his Citizen of the Year Award at the shire’s Australia Day Torquay celebrations at Taylor Park on Saturday, January 26.

The shire’s Australia Day Awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen and Event of the Year recognise people who have made outstanding community contributions.

Young Citizen of the Year went to Pat Spinazzola, a surf life saving instructor who loves getting the best from himself for the betterment of others.

As chief instructor at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club he has directly influenced a 150 per cent increase in life saving qualifications during the past two years.

“If I do something, I’m not going to do it by halves,” Mr Spinazzola said.

“I enjoy doing something first of all that’s fun, second of all that I’m personally developing from and third of all that is not just benefiting me, it’s benefiting other people.”

The 2019 Event of the Year went to The Sound Doctor Presents, a non-profit group bringing highquality musical acts to appreciative audiences in Anglesea.

Founded by Dr David Corbet, the group has staged 10 shows featuring acts normally only seen in major cities, including Jen Cloher, Jordie Lane, Tinpan Orange, Jason Lowe and All Our Exes Live In Texas.

Shire mayor Rose Hodge paid tribute to Mr Cichocki and other Australia Day award recipients.

“We come together on Australia Day to celebrate the things that make our country great,” Cr Hodge said.

“We don’t have to look far to identify some extraordinary contributors who embody our community values.

“Our Australia Day award winners and nominees demonstrate outstanding qualities, and I thank and congratulate them for all that they give and have given.”

The Surf Coast Shire also held an Australia Day event in Anglesea, and the Anglesea RSL marked the day with its own celebration.