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2006 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 30th January 2006 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, proudly presented the 2006 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards to eight community members today.

Cr Goodwin said the response to the request for nominations had been excellent.

"The quality of entries made the selection of winners in all categories a very difficult task.

"With 18 outstanding nominations for Citizen of the Year we decided to present two awards," said Cr Goodwin.

"This year we have had special awards prepared by a local artist, Lyn Wheelan.

"Each award had been individually designed and has etchings of Australian native plants," Cr Goodwin continued.

The winners of the Citizen of the Year Award are Max Williams and George and Myra Bird.

Max was born in Wonthaggi and is described as "a quiet achiever who inspires others through his dedication and commitment, through his incredible energy and self motivation."

He joined the Wonthaggi Apex Club in 1969 and was an active member for 18 years, holding positions on the Board including President, District Governor and a role in International Relations and is now a life member.

Max has also been a member of the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi for over 17 years and served terms as President and Board Member. He is currently the key coordinator of the successful Rotary Markets.

George was born in Wonthaggi and was a member of the Cape Paterson Life Saving Club for many years. During his children’s school years, he was President of the North Wonthaggi School Council and was also on the Wonthaggi Technical School Council.

George is a third generation member of the Wonthaggi Lodge and became a Charter Member of the Wonthaggi Lions in 1961; he served as District Governor in 1980-1981 and is currently the Lions District member for the Lions House Federation.

Myra graduated as a Technical School Teacher in 1983. She was a member of the Anglican Church Vestry and served terms as Secretary and President on the Lioness Club.

Myra has been actively involved in the Girl Guides for over 40 years, including five years as the District Commissioner and is still involved as a member of the Lady Nelson and the Golden Wattle Trefoil Guilds.

George and Myra have three children and both have contributed endless hours to various fundraising activities in Wonthaggi, particularly through the Wonthaggi Lions Club.

"Our Young Citizen of the Year Award winner, Melanie Mumford, has shown considerable dedication and commitment to environmental and humanitarian issues.

"She is a wonderful role model for other young citizens and is an inspiration to all," praised Cr Goodwin.

Melanie is AGE and lives in Glen Forbes. Outside of her full-time study at Melbourne University, where she is completing a double degree in Arts/Science, Melanie devotes her free time to volunteer work. She is a member and volunteer of groups including the South Gippsland Conservation Society, Landcare, Victorian Wader Study Group, Gippsland Migrant Resource Centre and Foster Parents Association.

Melanie is the convener and founder of the South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees as well as being the driving force behind Bass Coast becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2004.

"Award winner for Sports Person of the Year, Ashley Sartori, is an inspirational leader and tireless worker.

"He has made a significant contribution to the Bass Coast community through his involvement and leadership in a number of sports as a player and coach, in junior development and the promotion of sport.

"Ashley is recognised in the community as someone who appreciates the need to encourage young people to be actively involved in sport and is dedicated to promoting sport," said Cr Goodwin.

Ashley’s passion for sport began with local football, which included being part of both junior and senior premierships side. However, his true passion was for cricket and his outstanding career included playing for Ringwood in the Victorian District Cricket Association and captaining an A grade premiership side with the Wonthaggi Rover’s Cricket Club.

Ashley’s hard work, commitment and fundraising efforts have also assisted the Butch West Oval to develop into a first class facility.

"Winner of the Arts and Cultural Ambassador of the Year is Ian Smith.

"Ian has spread enthusiasm throughout the Bass Coast community over the last 20 years.

"He works tirelessly behind the scenes and inspires others to participate and learn," Cr Goodwin admired.

Ian’s contribution to the Bass Coast Shire community came firstly through his teaching when he moved to Wonthaggi with his family in 1983 to take up the position of Deputy Principal at Wonthaggi High School. Ian and his wife Mary became involved in local amateur theatre and Ian dedicated a great deal of time to working on many theatrical groups’ sets.

Ian has been involved in various forms of art work including wood turning, sculpture and oil and watercolour painting. Ian was last year commissioned by Council to design and craft the baton for the recent Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Bass Coast Baton Relay.

"Amalgamation of the Blues and Rovers Football Club to form ‘The Power’ was awarded the Community Event of the Year.

"This merger was coordinated to bring together the township of Wonthaggi and to form a partnership between two proud football clubs, the Wonthaggi Rovers and Wonthaggi Blues," said Cr Goodwin.

The challenge for the clubs was to instigate a merger whilst maintaining the passionately committed supporters, players and volunteers to become a competitive club across all grades.

The merger proved to be extremely successful, uniting two teams with fierce rivalry to become one club capable of achieving a Senior Premiership flag for Wonthaggi in 2005.

The award was accepted by Geoff Jones and David Beaumont.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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