Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan, right, was joined byBy Kath Gannaway
PASSION and commitment were underlying themes when the Shire of Yarra Ranges presented its annual Australia Day Awards at Lilydale on Saturday.
Thirty-five shire residents representing all ages and interests were recognised for their outstanding contribution, in many cases over long periods of time, to the community, the environment and sporting groups.
Six major awards were presented with Lilydale CFA Captain Frank Whelan being honoured as Citizen of the Year and Mt Evelyn environmentalist Clare Worsnop named as Environmental Achiever of the Year.
Margaret Fennell received the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 18 years involvement in Neighbourhood Houses and enrichment of community life, especially for people with disabilities through The Bridge Community Project.
Community Group of the Year was awarded to Bridge Builders Youth & Community Organisation based in Mt Evelyn, Sam Ryan of Belgrave was named Young Citizen of the Year and Young Environmental Achiever was Cecilia Imre of Selby.
Among the individuals and groups who received Certificates of Recognition in the Yarra Valley region were Dave Chalkley, Ken Knight, Iris Caddy, Michael De Oleveira, Flo Flood, Christine Mullen, Joe Pacquola, Marjorie Woollands, Kevin Heeley, Maria Romanin, Luisa Williams, Sera Blair, Healesville Junior Football Club, Community 3777, Millgrove Environment Restoration Group and Warburton Millgrove Sports Club.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan, congratulated the recipients, nominated by their peers and by council, for their outstanding contributions.
“These awards are a mark of the community’s and council’s appreciation of the efforts of people from all walks of life and all ages, and I’d like to thank all recipients for their outstanding contribution to the Yarra Ranges community,” he said.
Cr Heenan said the inclusion of a number of community groups in the awards spread that recognition even further and reflected the depth of community involvement in the shire.
“Because these people have done such fantastic work for years it’s great to see they have been nominated. We can only reflect that we feel very proud that we have the opportunity to honour them on this day.”
