Surf Coast celebrates local legends making a difference

WILDLIFE rescuers, the members of a sewing group and the devoted president of a surf lifesaving club are among the unsung Surf Coast heroes this year named Local Legends.

A record number of nominations were received this year for the Surf Coast Shire’s annual local legends program, with awards presented to 15 individuals and four volunteer groups for their contributions across the local community.

This year’s legends were official recognised yesterday (Thursday, May 22) at a presentation ceremony at the council’s chambers, held to coincide with National Volunteer Week (May 19-25).

Eight individuals received a Community Commitment Award for their “sustained and substantial record of commitment” to people, a group, organisation, community or cause. They are:

• Wildlife rescuer Jason Cichocki
• Community house leader Phoebe Mitchell
• Scout leader Marie McPadden
• Football club volunteer Melissa Pitt
• Surf lifesaving volunteer Heath Armstrong
• Wildlife rescuer Grant Norris
• Volunteer Tai Chi instructor Mary McNaughton, and
• Salvation Army and Share the Dignity volunteer Donna Symes.

A further seven individuals received Community Impact awards, recognising the “remarkable difference” their contributions have made to people, a group, organisation, community or cause. They are:

• Mental health advocate Colby Bryce
• CFA captain Kaylene Stocks
• Community postie Cameron McFarlane
• Bowls club volunteer Ben Coyle
• Growing Winchelsea volunteer Rhani Bayon
• Community radio presenter David Steele, and
• Physical and mental health advocate Tony Martin.

The Lorne volunteering ladies’ group, All Aboard DisABILITY Support Services volunteers, Sewing For A Purpose and Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees were also recognised with Volunteer Excellence awards.

Cr Joel Grist commended all recipients, who he said were “doing extraordinary things in our community”.

“Their quiet and often unseen heroics are symbolic of so much good work carried out by countless selfless people across our communities.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community life, and their contributions are immeasurable. National Volunteer Week provides a focus for us to recognise the immensity of their combined contributions and say heartfelt thanks for often unheralded work.”

To learn more about this year’s local legend recipients, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/LocalLegends