By Derek Schlennstedt
The Yarra Ranges Council Australia Day awards on 26 January recognised a diverse range of people from across the shire, whose contribution to their communities has made the Yarra Ranges a better place to live.
While awards included Environmentalist of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, certificates of recognition were awarded to notable community members.
Thomas Hennessy received a certificate for his deep interest in the environment. He’s been involved in a captive breeding program for squirrel gliders, establishing a small breeding project in the Dandenongs – the Montrose Glider Breeding Project.
Bec Brannigan was recognised for her tireless work in the Mount Evelyn community to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
John Stanhope has an extensive history with the wider Healesville area and as owner and operator of a nursery in town for 42 years has served as the Morning Service Bugler with the Healesville RSL, performing The Last Post and Reveille for 45 consecutive Anzac Day services.
In addition, Morris Maxwell was recognised for his tireless volunteer in the Coldstream community for more than a decade.
Pam Ramadge was recognised for her enduring role as a crossing supervisor at Wandin Yallock School, as well as fellow crossing supervisor Tracey Boyd who has served in Yarra Glen for 22 years.
In the Dandenong’s, Maisie James was awarded a certificate of recognition for her involvement in founding the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society.
At 98, she has been an active participant of the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society for more than 70 years and spent years helping with flower and plant shows, assisting with catering, and propagating hundreds of plants at their property to raise money.
Last but certainly not least, is Karin Koeppen.
Ms Koeppen came to Melbourne from Germany in 1956 for the Melbourne Olympics, and has lived in Ferny Creek since 1960.
As the owner of the well-known tourist icon the Cuckoo Restaurant in Olinda, she has given an enormous amount back to her community, contributing to many local groups, such as the Olinda Fire Brigade, and local scouts/cubs groups.
Karin’s hospitality is as much a part of the Dandenong’s as the Cuckoo itself, and she still greets visitors at the front door.
