Bass Coast Shire Council announced the winners of the Bass Coast Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards presentation on Wednesday, 15 January.
Wonthaggi's Don Turner from San Remo was awarded the 2020 Bass Coast Citizen of the Year and Wonthaggi North's Sophie Bolding was announced as the 2020 Bass Coast Young Citizen of the Year.
Mr Turner was recognised for many years of dedication to helping thousands of students within our community gain valuable bicycle and road safety knowledge. He has represented the community on the Bass Coast Road Safety Committee, received an award from Regional Roads Victoria for his voluntary work around Bike Education with the Gippsland Road Safety Committee and also participated in road safety projects and programs such as L2P, Looking after our Mates and Hypothetical. Mr Turner's contribution to the community through road safety awareness makes him a worthy recipient of this Award.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, congratulated Mr Turner and Ms Bolding on their Awards and thanked them for the amazing work they do within the Bass Coast community.
"Your dedication to educating young people within our community about road safety is invaluable. The skills they learn help them become responsible drivers and prepares them for the future as independent young people. Thank you for all you are doing to make our community a safe place to live in," Cr Tessari said.
Ms Bolding was acknowledged for her significant contribution to womens football and the vital role she has played in making the Bass Coast Breakers Women's Football Team at Dalyston a welcoming, inclusive and exciting team to be a part of. She has proven herself as a role model and leader to all at the Club. Ms Bolding took on the role of head coach mid-season in 2019 and successfully juggled the tasks of being both coach and player. Through her genuine commitment to encouraging and empowering women and girls in Bass Coast, and improving and providing opportunities for others, makes Sophie a worthy recipient for Bass Coast Young Citizen of the Year.
"Sophie is playing an incredible role in local women's football and is a great role model in the community. She has taken the responsibilities of being a head coach as young person, while creating a supportive and nurturing environment for women and girls in her stride and I am excited to follow her journey next season," Cr Tessari said.
The Mayor also acknowledged and congratulated all the Nominees for the Award and the community that took the time to submit their nominations.
"Being nominated is a great acheievement and testament to all the hard work they have been doing within our community. Thank you to everyone that submitted the nominations of these amazing people and sharing all they do with the rest of the community", Cr Tessari said.
