Cavendish resident Roger Edwards has been announced as Southern Grampians Shire Council's Citizen of the Year for his 50 years of service to the local community.
The honor was bestowed upon Mr Edwards by Mayor Councillor David Robertson at the official Australia Day community celebrations held at the Hamiton Botanic Gardens today.
Mr Edwards is a founding member of the Cavendish Townscape Association and an original committee member of the Cavendish Red Gum Festival. He plays a pivotal role in Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL)'s Mud Gallery and the arts scene in general. For decades he's volunteered with the Cavendish Uniting Church and his local Men's Shed.
Presented with the Young Citizen of the Year accolades were Ruby Hayden Simpson and Tayla Lewis both from Hamilton for their work promoting mental health awareness, and, in particular, for addressing last year's Youth Wellbeing Conversation for parents and carers of young people in the Southern Grampians region.
Other awards presented at the Australia Day community celebration included:
• Community Recognition Awards -
o Eileen Broadwood from Coleraine
o Eileen Jolly from Hamilton
o Noleen Clark from Coleraine
o Paul Bosch from Coleraine
o Hamilton Anglican Mothers Union
o Mark Thomas (Salvation Army)
o William Kinghorn from Byaduk
• Community Event of the Year - Dunkeld Writers Festival
• Mayors Award - Dr Dale Ford
Mayor Cr David Roberston said the Southern Grampians community would not be what it was without our hard-working volunteers.
"There are hundreds of volunteers who dedicate a large part of their lives to helping others to achieve a safer, more comfortable, and happier life," he said.
"Today's award recipients are just a few of the many people who have made a significant impact. I'd like to congratulate them all on this very special occasion."
Hundreds of people flocked to the official Australia Day event in Hamilton, where there was also a citizenship ceremony for seven residents.
