A big day out for team Julie

By Tania Martin
JULIE McDonald’s dedication to children has won her Australia Day honours.
The Montrose woman is the Shire of Yarra Ranges Citizen of the Year for her role in the development of an adventure playground.
Mrs McDonald was overwhelmed by the honour.
“It was such a big project. I didn’t expect to be singled out like this,” she said.
“I feel guilty for receiving the credit when there were so many who did so much.”
Mrs McDonald said it was nice to be recognised.
“I never expected anything like this. I didn’t do it for the award – it was for the kids,” she said.
Shire deputy mayor Jeanette McRae said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate citizenship and community spirit.
Mrs McDonald said she had a vision to turn a children’s park into an adventure playground. It has since become a favourite place for youngsters.
But she attributes the success not to herself but to the local community.
Mrs McDonald was determined the project would be owned by the community. She set up a taskforce including local schools, businesses and residents to get the job done.
After more than two years of hard work, she and her team of supporters succeeded.
They built the long-awaited kids paradise in just five days.
But Mrs McDonald said it would not have been possible without the 1000-strong team who put it all together.
“It was something special to see us all,” she said.
The playground idea and design was based on a similar park in Bacchus Marsh.
Mrs McDonald said it was just stage one of the Montrose Reserve redevelopment project.
The $500,000 playground was made possible by State and Federal Government money amounting to more than $170,000.
Mrs McDonald said the rest of the costs were made up of unpaid labour, building materials, in-kind support and sponsors.
Locals and businesses also bought fence posts with an engraved message for $50 a plank.
Mrs McDonald said all the hard work had been well worth it. To see the children enjoying themselves was the best reward anyone could ask for.
“The playground has attracted visitors from all over,” she said.
The Montrose Playground Committee took out the Community Group of the Year award.
Committee member Ken Dowling said the recognition was an honour.
But, he said, the playground was just the beginning of a major project: the Montrose Reserve redevelopment.
“This award is for the Montrose community; they deserve it,” he said.
Other Australia Day winners included Melissa Macpherson, of Healesville, and Sarah Smith, of Lilydale, Karen Garath, of Badger Creek, Phoebe Rountree, of Lilydale, Tom and Arline Myers, of Mooroolbark, and Michelle McDonald, of Lilydale.
For more Australia Day honours see page 10.