The 2022 Moira Shire Australia Day Awards were held on Thursday 28 April, rescheduled from the usual time slot in January due to pandemic health restrictions, with Kotupna's Deb Fowler being awarded Citizen of the Year.
Mayor Libro Mustica said it was vitally important to hold the celebration, despite the lateness, to honour and highlight the valuable contributions to the community each nominee has made.
"Council received 39 nominations across six award categories – Arts, Culture and/or Environment Project; Community Organisation; Community Event; 2022 Junior Citizen; 2022 Young Citizen; and 2022 Citizen of the Year," Cr Mustica said.
"On behalf of Council I congratulate the people and projects nominated for these awards, they showcase the many strengths of local communities across the shire.
"I am overwhelmed by the calibre of our dedicated volunteers and community members.
"The past 12 months continued to be trying, with our communities still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions and limitations this caused and I believe it is more important than ever to recognise our communities' efforts and achievements.
"Without the Australia Day Awards many of these groups, organisations and individuals would go unrecognised."
Cr Mustica said each nominee was assessed by a panel of judges who praised the calibre of the nominations.
2022 Moira Shire Australia Day Award Winners –
Citizen of the Year –
Deb Fowler from Kotupna. Deb voluntarily runs the Bohollow Wildlife Shelter, rescuing injured and orphaned native animals and nursing them back to health. She is also the manager of the Numurkah Community Learning Centre and a voluntary Community Visitor with the Office of the Public Advocate, a volunteer Communications Officer with the Kotupna CFA plus a volunteer cook for the Community Christmas Dinner program.
Young Citizen of the Year –
Lachlan Ross from Katamatite. Lachlan organises the Royal Roundup fundraiser/toy drive for children spending Christmas in the Royal Children's Hospital as well as the Good Friday Appeal. He is actively involved with the Katamatite Lions Club and the local CFA. Lachlan received a Lions District Children of Courage Award and has made significant contributions to the Make a Wish Charity. He is an ambassador for the Royal Children's Hospital and is involved in research at this hospital.
Junior Citizen of the Year
Grear Wylie from Cobram. Grear plays netball with the Yarroweyah Football Netball Club and was captain of the Under 13s team, leading them to win their first games in several years. She is a member of the Numurkah Singers and has performed solo on stage. A passionate athlete, Grear has represented her school in regional competitions. She volunteers with the Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue as a Junior Rescuer and has volunteered at the Save the Koala Festival.
Community Event of the Year
Cobram Secondary College Anzac Day 2021. Students made the decision to revisit history and enshrine the memory of fallen soldiers and returned servicemen by establishing a memorial garden and acknowledging the history of the fallen soldiers named after the Sporting Houses of the school.
Community Organisation of the Year
Cobram Community Cinema Inc. The cinema is a partnership between the Masonic Lodge and the Youth Club. It opened in February 2021 and makes a positive contribution to both Cobram and the wider shire by providing training opportunities and skills to young people. Profits made are retained in the community and utilised for the benefit of Cobram.
Arts, Culture and/or Environmental Project of the Year
Picola and District Improvement Group. This committee investigated and oversaw the creation of a stunning mural on the grain silo in Picola. The Picola Silo Art Project has made a significant contribution to the Picola/Nathalia community. The artwork provides an uplifting and pleasant view for both locals and visitors; it tells a story of the close association to the Barmah Forest.
