Ian Mackenzie has been named Citizen of the Year at Meander Valley Council’s Australia Day Awards celebration.

“Mr Mackenzie (Macca) has undertaken an extraordinary number of volunteer hours over the years and is a generous, hardworking and a dedicated member of our community. This award is well deserved,” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Fayth Drury who has been a mentor for other young people in Meander Valley and a great role model. Fayth has made meaningful contributions to the community, undertaking a number of volunteer roles with the Youth Arts Alliance, Camps Tasmania, the Young Carers Group and the Youth Climate Action Forum.

“Fayth has also provided support for a number of Council run programs and community events such as Winter Fire. She is positive, respectful and inclusive and above all, she gets involved and has a go. She is a true inspiration to others,” Mayor Johnston said.

The Meander Progress Association and the Meander Hall Committee received the Community Event of the Year Award for their fireworks night that literally lit up the rural township.

“This jointly run event really brought people together and everyone rallied to make the evening a huge success. It was wonderful to see new community members working alongside long-standing residents,” Mayor Johnston said.

Alex Aylott and Chris Gard were both awarded the Meander Valley Sports Award.

Chris Gard was recognised for the development of Deloraine’s Inclusion Table Tennis initiative and Alex Aylott for his contribution to the development of junior football and for establishing skills clinics across the north of the state.

“Both of our Sports Award recipients have been recognised for their ongoing contribution to local sporting clubs, particularly their demonstration to lead, mentor and encourage others to reach their full potential and gain a sense of belonging,” Mayor Johnston said.

Eight volunteers from the Meander Valley were also recognised for their efforts, receiving awards for 1000 hours, 3000 hours and exceptional service to the community.

“Each year I am humbled to present these awards. They reflect dedication, commitment and the inspiring spirit of Meander Valley. Thank you to all who have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to serve others. This strengthens our community and your selflessness makes me proud to represent our municipality”, Mayor, Wayne Johnston said.

Meander Valley also welcomed eleven new citizens at the event.

Meander Valley Citizen of the Year

Ian Mackenzie

Ian (Macca) Mackenzie has contributed extensively to the Meander Valley community including undertaking volunteer work with the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania, AGFEST, the Bracknell Primary School Association, the Bracknell Fire Brigade and the Bracknell Football Club, the Westbury Irish Festival and the Forest Hall Badminton Club. He has also served as a Meander Valley Councillor.

He has been described as considerate, generous, hardworking, committed and dedicated and has undertaken an extraordinary number of volunteer hours over the years and this award is well deserved.

Meander Valley Young Citizen of the Year

Fayth Drury

Fayth Drury has been a mentor for other young people in Meander Valley and a great role model. Fayth has made meaningful contributions to the community, undertaking a number of volunteer roles with the Youth Arts Alliance, Camps Tasmania, the Young Carers Group and the Youth Climate Action Forum.

Fayth has also provided support for a number of Council run programs and community events such as Winter Fire. She is positive, respectful and inclusive and above all, she gets involved and has a go. She is a true inspiration to others.

Meander Valley Sports Award

Chris Gard

Chris is an avid table tennis player and has been heavily involved with the Deloraine Table Tennis League and the development of Deloraine’s Inclusion Table Tennis initiative. His ongoing contribution demonstrates his ability to lead, mentor and encourage others to reach their full potential and gain a sense of belonging.

Meander Valley Sports Award

Alex Aylott

Alex has made a significant contribution to the Launceston City Football Club, based in Prospect Vale. He has overseen what has been a 45 percent increase in junior membership, many of which are from the Meander Valley.

He is passionate about youth development, establishing school holiday programs and skills clinics across the north of the state. He has been an important mentor for young athletes and uses this role to promote and encourage participation in sport to build resilience and inclusiveness.

Meander Valley Community Event of the Year

The Meander Progress Association and the Meander Hall Committee’s Fireworks Event

This year’s winner was selected because of their exceptional ability to bring people together. This partnership lifted people's spirits and resulted in
new community members working alongside long-standing residents to create a multi-generational and inclusive event that that literally lit up the rural township of Meander.

A true demonstration of working together shone through as everyone rallied to make this event a huge success.

Meander Valley Council Volunteer Award Recipients 2023