The generous contribution of local residents will be recognised at a community event at Victory Park on Australia Day, with Ken Maddern, Milou Albrecht, Brian McCormick and the Mount Alexander Seniors Festival to be announced as award winners.
The 2019 Mount Alexander Shire Australia Day Award recipients are:
• Ken Maddern – Citizen of the Year
• Milou Albrecht – Young Citizen of the Year
• Brian McCormick – Senior Citizen of the Year
• Mount Alexander Seniors Festival – Community Event of the Year.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Bronwen Machin said she was impressed by the many achievements of this year’s nominees.
“Through these awards we have again seen just how much time and effort so many of our locals are giving to our community,” said Mayor Machin.
“Congratulations to the many nominees and winners, and thank you for making such a positive difference to our community,” she said.
Ken Maddern was named Citizen of the Year for his tireless contribution to junior sports, particularly his role in the upgrade of the junior sporting precinct at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve. The reserve now has six new netball courts, new cricket nets, state of the art facilities and multipurpose pavilion.
“It’s clear that Ken is incredibly passionate about getting young people active and giving them the best chance to get involved in sport,” said Mayor Machin.
“Along with his role as President of the Castlemaine District Netball Association Ken has been involved in cycling for more than 25 years and is a successful coach for junior, elite and masters cyclists,” she said.
Senior Citizen of the Year Brian McCormick worked over many years to establish the Castlemaine Men’s Shed, a highly valued and utilised centre.
“Along with the Men’s Shed Brian generously gives his time to help people of all ages, whether it’s improving their woodworking skills, leading history walks around our region, or coordinating volunteer projects such as the lovely fence at Chewton Primary School,” said Mayor Machin.
“Our Young Citizen of the Year, Milou Albrecht, shares my passion for the environment and she has been instrumental in helping students to find their voice against inaction on climate change,” she said.
“What started as a school strike with a few friends quickly morphed into a national day of action that saw thousands of students around the country participating in non-violent protests. It’s inspiring to see young people making a difference and pushing for change.
“Our Community Event of the Year was the tremendous Mount Alexander Seniors Festival, which provided more than 30 activities and events around our shire.
“This is such a positive and uplifting event and offers so many opportunities to help people to come together and have some fun. Thank you to the committee and all the other volunteers who worked so hard to make the festival such a success.”
Council worked with local elder Uncle Rick Nelson and the Upper Loddon Indigenous group Nalderun to plan the Australia Day activities, including a Welcome to Country with Uncle Rick, supported by Aunty Paulette Nelson and Kane Nelson on digeridoo.
Two residents will pledge their loyalty to Australia in a special Citizenship Ceremony and will be blessed to keep them safe on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Guest speaker Lucy Mayes will speak to the many things to love about our local community, the importance of our shared history and the future.
“And a big thank you to all the community members, volunteers and staff who have helped organise our Australia Day events at Victory Park this year,” said Mayor Machin.
Learn more about the award winners and community event at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.