Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore announced the winners of the 2014 Australia Day Awards on Sunday 26 January at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.
The winners included:
Citizen of the Year: Matt McDonald.
Senior Citizen of the Year: John (Jack) Mitchell.
Young Citizen of the Year: Adele Mepstead.
Community Organisation of the Year: ECHO Youth and Family Services.
Community Event of the Year: PAVE Festival.
Community Service Award: Lyn Wealands.
The awards were a highlight of Australia Day celebrations across Cardinia Shire. Cr Moore said they recognised the contribution made by outstanding individuals and groups who had worked tirelessly to strengthen and improve their community.
“The winners are well-deserving individuals and groups who are involved in making the shire the best it can be. I pass on my congratulations and gratitude,” Cr Moore said.
“Their involvement in our community is much appreciated and we celebrate them and the dedication they continue to show the Cardinia Shire and its residents.”
Council’s flagship celebration in Pakenham included the traditional Mayor’s Australia Day address, a speech by Australia Day ambassador Dr Peter Ellyard and a bumper citizenship ceremony with more than 50 local residents becoming citizens.
Families from across Cardinia Shire enjoyed the fun and a range of family activities including barbecues, face painting, a jumping castle, poetry and entertainment as well as an animal farm and a Landcare display with native plant give-aways.
Hills groups celebrated were:
Community Organisation of the Year: ECHO Youth and Family Services.
ECHO helps families and young people through hard times, equips them to make good life choices and provides crisis relief. It runs several programs out of Emerald, including a peer leadership and a community mentor development program. ECHO turns 30 this year.
Community Event of the Year: PAVE Festival
Emerald’s week-long PAVE festival attracts around 12,000 people each year. Running since 2004, the event features graphic art, photography, dance, theatre, film, music, indigenous and multicultural events. PAVE supports the work of local artists and boosts the local economy.
