Australia Day in the timber town

By ZOE ASKEW

HEYFIELDresidents'admiration forcommunity was unequivocally apparent at Thursday's Australia Day celebrations; like aslapinthe face or someone tipping abucket of iced cold water on you, youjust couldn't miss it.

January 26 celebrations would not have been possible were it not for the Lions Club of Heyfield and Heyfield AustraliaDay committee.

Each year, the two groups work to createthe event, bringing together and highlighting the outstanding achievements of people within their community.

Supporting, caring, giving, honouring, being together- this is what Australia Day means to the small town of Heyfield.

Brian and Cherril Marsh were sittingatone of the shaded picnic tablesinHeyfield Apex Lions Park, the morning sun slowly rising behind them, golden light seeping through the cracks in the branches of the surrounding trees.

Mr and Mrs Marsh moved to Heyfield30yearsago, escapingthe growingly busy streets of Melbourne.

The decision to relocate came after visiting friends who had recently moved to Heyfield; the decision to stay, what has kept Mr and Mrs Marsh in Heyfield all these years, is the community.

"Shortly after moving here, we were in acar accident," Mr Mash said.

"A few days after the accident, we saw this car driving down our driveway; it was one of our neighbours. He had heard aboutthe accidentand had come over to give us the car to use; we had never met him before."

Mr and MrsMarsh shared theirlove for their town and the community within its boundaries, the joy they get out of walking down the street and knowing everyone's name,whether it be Pam at the Heyfield IGA or back in the day, thelocal Heyfield Police Officer.

"It is such an amazing community here in Heyfield," Mrs Marsh said.

"Everyone is so kind and so caring; we love it here. People are so quick to put their hands up to help when needed. Walking down the street, everyonesayshi, and you know everyone's name, even the local police. Heyfieldreally does have an amazing community."

The smell of bacon cooking on the barbecuewafted across the park, strips of pink flesh popping and cracking and sizzling on top of the hot iron grill as it darkens to that perfect delicious state between not crunchy and too crunchy.

Standing overthe heat-radiating devices, turning strips of bacon and sausage, flipping half-gooey eggs, were members of the Heyfield Lions Club.

Withdrawing from the bustling outdoor kitchen, aloyalLions Club of Heyfield member stepped back and watched on proudlyashis brothers-in-arms dedicated their time to their beloved community.

"I have been involved with Heyfield's Australia Day event for along time," he said.

He told how the long-runningyearly celebration was not held around 11 years ago, followingwhich he pledged to make sure there was an Australia Day event every year.

If anything,Thursday's crowd at the Apex Lions Park was abright red indicator of the importance of recognisingand celebratingpeople within the Heyfield community.

Wellington Shire Councillor, Carmel

Ripper, initiated the awardsceremony, beginning with Acknowledgement of Country.

"It is an absolute pleasure to be here in Heyfield today, which Ispent 15 years living here," Cr Ripper said.

"First, Iwouldliketopay respects to the traditional custodians of this land.

"I would like to thank the Lions Club of Heyfield, who worked tirelessly to organise this event.

"I am proud to be part of such astrongcommunity here in the Wellington shire," Cr Ripper added.

"Special thanks to everyday heroes, friends, neighbours and volunteers as we reflect on the freedoms and opportunities in this country."

Lee Wojcinski was awarded Heyfield Citizen of the Year, and Maffra High School student, Maddison Winter,was awarded the 2023 Heyfield Junior Citizen of the Year.

The Heyfield Wetlands was named the Heyfield NewsAwardrecipient, Pam Darby from HeyfieldIGA was awarded Heyfield Outstanding Customer Service Award, and Bill Adams was named Heyfield Local Hero.

Friends: Heyfield’sNikitta MortimerKeast and PatsyWhitehead show offtheir face painting at the 2023 Heyfield Australia DayCelebration.

Colour: Heyfield’sLetti Ashley getting her face painted at the 2023 Heyfield Australia DayCelebration.

Role model: Heyfield resident andMaffraHigh Schoolstudent Maddison Winter wasawarded the 2023 Heyfield Junior Citizenofthe Year

Topshelf: LeeWojcinski (mother of Geelong three-time premiership playerDavid) was awarded Heyfield Citizen of theYear at theAustralia DayAwards.

Honour: PamDarby from Heyfield IGAwas awarded the 2023 Heyfield Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Great job: Bill Adams wasnamed Heyfield Local Heroatthe 2023 Australia DayCelebration.

Recognition: HeyfieldWetlands committee’s WendyRhodes, Barry Donahoe, Shiree O’Neiland Mike Kube with their 2023 Heyfield News Award.

Family: Heyfield’sDoug Speedie withhis grandchildren Lucasand Nicholas

Goodtimes: Heyfield’sDaisy Johns and Archie Domaille with Maffra’s Hundson Johnston and Oscar Johnston at the2023 Heyfield Australia DayCelebration.