By Victoria Stone-Meadows
TWO Members of the Emerald community have been awarded Australia Day Awards as part of Cardinia Shire Council’s 2016 Australia Day Celebrations.
Molly White was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her work with Emerald CFA and Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year.
The winners were announced by Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jodie Owen who said it is the people of Cardinia that make it what it is.
“Cardinia Shire is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and this is in part due to the many incredible people who go above and beyond to support their community,” she said.
Fourteen year old Ms White is currently in year nine at Emerald Secondary College as well as the Captain of the juniors at Emerald CFA.
“I feel very proud to have received this award and it is something I will remember and treasure forever,” she said.
Ms White joined the CFA over three years ago, has been a mentor at K-Motion After School Program for four years, and has aspirations of joining the Salvation Army and becoming a police officer.
“I believe I am who I am because of all the things I do and the people I am surrounded by
“My goal at this stage of my life is to graduate high school and to help out with The Salvation Army, but most importantly is to be a good person,” Ms White said.
Peter Maloney has been involved with the Emerald RSL for about four years and was instrumental in creating the new Anzac Walk and Anzac Place in Emerald.
The walk and other memorials commemorate the 32 soldiers from Emerald that fought in WWI but never had the chance to return home.
“I’m very humbled to receive this award,” he said.
“There are a lot more deserving senior citizens in Cardinia than I but I am delighted to accept the award in behalf of the Emerald community.
“Also, on behalf of the RSL and on behalf of all the men and women who put the ANZAC walk together.
“This award is recognition of all the work done by those men and women,” he said.
The winners of Australia Day Awards will be presented with their awards at a free Australia Day Citizenship event at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham on Australia day.
