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2010 Bass Coast Australia Day AwardsAward ceremonies were held in Cowes and Wonthaggi as part of Australia Day celebrations across the Shire. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 4th February 2010 - Back to News Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Peter Paul, presented seven awards to community members for their dedication and commitment to the Bass Coast region.
"It was a privilege to be able to make these presentations, acknowledging the contributions of these amazing members of our community," said Cr Paul.
The Mayor said the Australia Day awards were one way to recognise their dedication and commitment.
"The awards are a way to focus on a select group of people and the work they do. However, the entire day is a celebration of our community and the commitment and devotion so many people have to making our community a better place."
This year’s Bass Coast Australia Day Award recipients are:
Citizen of the Year – Terry Ashenden
Terry Ashenden is an active and valued member of the Bass Coast community. His obvious passion for community projects, his continued leadership and ability to give up his time for his community has most recently resulted in Bendigo Community Banks in both San Remo and Cowes.
He has spent countless hours volunteering with the San Remo/Newhaven Lions Club, the San Remo District Association of Tourism & Traders, San Remo Art Exhibition, San Remo Channel Challenge and various other sporting and community groups.
As a successful business owner and active community member, Terry makes a difference to the lives of others through his continued and ongoing commitment to the community.
"Terry is a fierce advocate for his community and has devoted so much time and energy to establishing a bank in San Remo when the other banks withdrew their services," said Cr Paul.
"After helping the San Remo community he has worked with the Cowes and Grantville communities to establish a Community Bank in their towns.
"Terry is highly regarded and respected for his hardwork across the Shire and his genuine commitment to increase the services available to Bass Coast residents makes him our Citizen of the Year."
Young Citizen of the Year – Andrew McCormick
Andrew McCormick has made a significant contribution to the Bass Coast community as a volunteer with the Wonthaggi Fire Brigade. A respected and popular member of the CFA, Andrew is disciplined, eager to learn and a fantastic role model for other young people in the area.
His leadership, maturity and dedication has seen him hold the rank of 2nd Lieutenant where he is responsible for the training needs of the brigade and is the Group Communications Officer.
He attended his first major fires in NSW at the age of 16 and has been an active senior member for eight years.
"Andrew has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and is keen to encourage other young people to serve their community," said Cr Paul.
"He became a brigade officer at the age of 18 which in itself is a rarity but demonstrates his exceptional leadership and maturity.
"He is passionate about protecting his community and is a worthy winner of our Young Citizen of the Year Award."
Sports Person of the Year – Diddy Cuthbertson
Diddy Cuthbertson has participated in or promoted sport for most of her life. Her involvement in sport not only includes netball, basketball, cricket and swimming, but is she is instrumental in organising sports and activities for others.
Diddy encourages involvement in sport through her work as a Physical Education teacher at Cowes Primary School. Her ability to find levels of competition to allow all students to participate at a level challenging to them has been described as ‘phenomenal’.
She has been a Phillip Island Swim Club Coach, basketball player, an umpire and coordinator, Netta Netball coordinator and coach, Phillip Island Netball Player and Coach, Women’s Cricket Ambassador, Bass Coast Schools’ Sports Association President, Active Afterschool Care Coach and has been involved in numerous committees.
"Diddy has a passion to see everyone find enjoyment and success in sport and physical activity regardless of their ability," said Cr Paul.
"She is a fantastic role model for young sportspeople and I am sure she will continue to foster growth and development in sport for many years to come."
Arts and Cultural Ambassador of the Year – Karen Milkins-Hendry
As the Director and guiding force behind the Wonthaggi Theatrical Groups major productions since 2006 and as an educator at Newhaven College, Karen Milkins-Hendry has made a huge contribution to the Bass Coast community.
Karen has introduced many local people to the joys of live theatre. She has directed local productions including the Little Shop of Horrors, Singin’ in the Rain, Les Miserables and Westside Story.
An established actor in her own right, Karen turned her hand to directing in the last five years and should take pride in her ability to get the best out of her cast and crew.
"Karen has shown that with the right assistance and direction you can produce high quality local productions that are entertaining and enjoyable," said Cr Paul.
"As a director, Karen encourages her cast to challenge what they believe their limitations are.
"With Karen in charge they learn that with hard work, perseverance and team work you can surprise yourself with what you achieve."
Community Event of the Year – Bass Coast Relay For Life
The Bass Coast Relay For Life event brings the community together in a very unique way. It honours the memory of those who have lost their life to cancer and shows support for those with cancer, but most importantly it raised over $102,000 for cancer research.
The 2008 Bass Coast Relay For Life set records for the number of participants (899) in 39 registered teams.
"Cancer doesn’t discriminate," said Cr Paul. "Participants in Relay For Life come from all sectors of the community and are linked by a common thread that few events can achieve."
"This fantastic fundraising event was organised by a team of dedicated volunteers, who have done an amazing job – ensuring the safety and success of a record number of participants.
"I’d like to congratulate and thank everyone who participated in or who helped organise this event."
Environmental Ambassador of the Year – Dr Tim Ealey
Dr Tim Ealey sets an exceptionally high standard as the first Bass Coast Environmental Ambassador of the Year winner.
Dr Tim is a dedicated volunteer who has undertaken extensive coastal rehabilitation and environmental work from the Lang Lang foreshore, right through to Phillip Island.
He has provided leadership for hundreds of ordinary people, giving them hope for the future and empowering them with the knowledge and skills required to help protect our natural environment.
He has ‘de-mystified’ scientific explanations and solutions for many budding environmentalists. He has helped future generations of environmentalists to find their passion and drive for protecting our environment.
Dr Tim is highly regarded outside the Shire and has worked closely with State and Federal government bodies. His work has been recognised by the United Nations and he is an Order of Australia medallist.
"We are so lucky to have someone as knowledgeable and passionate as Dr Tim in our community," said Cr Paul.
"He has germinated mangrove seeds and worked with local primary school students to plant them out. All the kids know him as ‘Dr Mangrove’."
"It’s difficult to know what to pick out as the highlights of Dr Tim’s extensive environmental career, but for the people of Bass Coast it’s the contribution he has made to protecting our local environment that makes him our first ever Environmental Ambassador."
Family Achievement Award – Len and Lois Jackson
Len and Lois Jackson started their life of community service when, with their young children, they taught in an Aboriginal settlement in Central Australia.
Since moving to Wonthaggi 30 years ago, the Jacksons have been involved in education, youth programs, the Uniting Church and are office bearers on the Rose Lodge Committee of Management.
"Both Len and Lois Jackson have provided outstanding service to the Bass Coast community over many years," said Cr Paul.
"I am pleased to announce them as the first winners of the Bass Coast Family Achievement Award."
Cr Paul thanked the local community for getting involved in the Australia Day celebrations.
"It is wonderful to see the community coming together to celebrate and this is a day I enjoy every year," said Cr Paul.
"I would particularly like to thank the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi and the Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary Club for the magnificent job they did organising the celebrations in Wonthaggi and Cowes.
"Australia Day speaker David Parkin was inspirational and entertaining.
"And thanks also have to go to the organisers of all the events held right across the Shire - the Inverloch RSL, Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, Corinella Ratepayers & Residents Association, Pound Creek Fire Brigade, the Glen Alvie district, and the Kernot Hall & Reserve Committee."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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