Heartfelt thanks to recipients N
orthern Grampians Shire Council celebrated its 2022 recipients of Australia Day Awards at official ceremonies at Stawell and St Arnaud.
Mayor Tony Driscoll was glowing in his praise for recipients and their contributions to society, saying the council ‘could not be prouder’. “Our award recipients this year have made very selfless donations to the community via volunteering and initiatives that have dramatically improved the lives of others via charity, awareness, advocacy and inclusion work,” he said. “The accomplishments of the individuals and groups receiving awards are absolutely staggering considering much of what they achieved took place during the second year of a pandemic.
“I give my heartfelt thanks to all of the Australia Day Award recipients for their accomplishments; it is absolutely staggering to learn what you have achieved in the second year of a pandemic nonetheless, and our shire is so much the richer for having people who give their all for the betterment of others.” The council presented awards based on shire wards. Citizen-of-the-year awards went to Stawell Senior Citizens club volunteers Raie Gale and June Raburn, Stawell South and central wards, and St Arnaud Resource Centre volunteer Russell Steel, Kara Kara Ward. Other awards – Stawell and central wards: Local hero, registered nurse Helen Kennedy; young citizens of the year,
HONOUR: Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, left, presents Helen Kennedy with her ‘Local Hero’ award. Charlie Wilson, for his work in establishing a LGBTIQ+ group in Stawell, and Sienna Santuccione, a Stawell Amateur Athletic Club member who raised money for multiple sclerosis awareness with a 50-kilometre run; community event of the year, Stawell Interchurch Welfare; Australian citizenships, Naricisa Beniga, Veera
Kandukuri, Janakooreet Muhar and Tsai-Lun Tseng. Kara Kara ward: Senior citizen of the year, Colin Forster; young citizen of the year, St Arnaud Neighbourhood House administrative officer Rachel Hendry; community event of the year, St Arnaud Lions Club Christmas Procession.
Hindmarsh celebrates Nhill’s Mervyn Schneider, OAM, is Hindmarsh Shire’s citizen of the year. Hindmarsh deputy mayor Brett Ireland and Australia Day ambassador Wesa Chau presented Mr Schneider and young citizen of the year Caleb Zanker with their awards at Nhill’s Australia Day celebrations last week. Mr Schneider has been a charter member of Rotary Club of Nhill since 1961, providing 50 years of service to the Nhill community. He has been a dedicated
board member of Nhill’s Avonlea aged-care facility for 44 years. Mr Zanker was Nhill College’s year-10 dux last year, when he also collected a Couch Family all-rounder award. He was previously a year10 form captain and a recipient of Wimmera Football Netball League under-17 Spirit of Football award. • Right, Mr Schneider accepts his award from Australia Day ambassador Wesa Chau.
Recognition for young leader A community-minded Ararat youth celebrated for her pursuit to elevate the voices of young people has received Australia Day recognition. Jaylen Stephens, 15, from Ararat’s Marian College, was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year by Ararat Rural Council om Australia Day, for her part in the creation of the new Ararat Youth Group which gives participants an opportunity to engage with council. Miss Stephens said her participation in the Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Program was the start she needed to find her voice. “It is so important for teenagers, especially, to have a voice in the community, and have a say on things we can change for the better,” she said. “We hope it is something that does continue to grow as more young people join.” Miss Stephens said lessons learnt during the Bulldogs leadership program were skills crucial for young people to have growing up in a tight-knit community. “Every week we discussed different topics from mental health, gambling, gender equality and multicultural understanding,” she said. Miss Stephens was also Ararat’s Boldly Bulldog Participant of the Year in 2021 for her time in the program. “When I received the email saying I was to be Young Citizen of the Year, it was just so cool. I had no idea someone would nominate me. I am very thankful for it,” she said.
Joint citizens of the year
Dr Derek Pope and Jan Pope were joint recipients of Ararat Citizen of the Year. Dr Pope was recognised for his contribution to community health during his 36-year career as a GP, while Mrs Pope was recognised for her volunteer work and leadership in Ararat’s creative community. Willaura Modern Committee was awarded Community Project of the Year for its 2021 visual arts exhibitions at Willaura Railway Station, ‘Sense of Place’ project and Iconic Australian Design exhibit. Shane Jenkins was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his work increasing player memberships for Ararat and District Junior Football Association during the pandemic.
o t t i a w t ’ n o
! w o W
D
Valentine’s Day
Monday,
February 14
51 Roberts Avenue, Horsham
Place your order today!
5382 1834
Still in front!
leaders in application tech Up to 434hp for extra grunt
E
E
F
Industry-leading ground clearance Front-mount with superior visibility & stability
F
E
F
Increased fuel savings
Boom options
30m, 36m, 41.15m or 48m Miller Intellispray PWM system, Staged Spray Control, WeedSeeker 2 or Spray-Air
! NEW ContaCt your loCal dealer
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Ask your Miller dealer about Green-on-Green spot spray tech
Swan Hill Belle-Vue Trading (03) 5032 3277 Bordertown SA Wise Farm Equipment (08) 8752 0633 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Limited systems available for 2022
Warracknabeal Belle-Vue Trading (03) 5394 1070 Rokewood Western Plains Motors (03) 5346 1223 Page
23
