Australia Day Award recipients announced

Meander Valley Council has officially announced their 2022 Australia Day Award recipients ahead of a more formal event to be held in coming weeks.

Council’s Australia Day Awards recognise community contribution, leadership and voluntary service with nominations made by the local community.

“It is disappointing that COVID-19 has resulted in the postponement of Council’s usual event, however the sentiment remains and we appreciate the efforts of all those in our municipality who volunteer to make their communities better for everyone. In these uncertain times we can take inspiration from the fantastic work all our volunteers do, there is no doubt they make a huge difference.” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

“We plan on celebrating the wonderful contributions of all our Australia Day and Volunteer Award recipients in a few weeks’ time. ”

This year, Laura Richardson from Deloraine has been named Citizen of the Year.

Laura has been recognised for her extensive community service. A director on the Meander Valley Financial Services Ltd. executive board, life member of the Deloraine Amateur Basketball Association and a founder of the Deloraine Devils Netball Club, Laura has helped campaign to establish local banking services and has contributed to local rural youth groups.

Luke Cole has received the Meander Valley Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Luke is a valued member of the Westbury Preservation Association (WPA), formally known as Pearns Steam World.

Despite having the challenges of living with a disability, Luke has continued to pursue his interest in restoring key pieces of the Association’s collection and became a member of the WPA Executive Management Committee in August of 2021. In addition to his work at WPA, Luke is a committed volunteer at Deloraine House where he contributes to team meetings, strategy workshops and events. Luke is also an advocate for people with a disability pursuing their passions.

The Meander Valley Sports Award recipient was Renee Walker.

Renee grew up amongst the sporting spirit and community of the Deloraine Football Club and has shown dedication to its future, volunteering as the Junior Development Officer and coaching two of the junior girls teams. Renee has been instrumental in providing equal opportunity for girls to play football and encourages inclusiveness and development.

Chudleigh’s Australia Day Breakfast took out Meander Valley’s Community Event of the Year Award.

Run entirely by volunteers and the Chuldleigh Hall Committee, the Chudleigh Australia Day Breakfast event was founded in 2012 and, despite being scaled back last year the event still catered for over 250 socially-distanced people amongst the Hall’s beautiful gardens.

“Committee members and volunteers contribute their time, resources, cooking skills and more to provide a heart-warming exhibition of community spirit that ensures all are welcome and included,” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

Council also formally announced the recipients of their Volunteer Awards recognising seventeen residents for 1,000 and 3,000 volunteer hours and for exceptional volunteering efforts.

Mayor Johnston said all of the award winners are a testament to their generosity and dedication to Meander Valley.

“These people represent the spirit of Meander Valley and we thank them for their service and commitment.”

Meander Valley Council will be undertaking a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day to welcome eighteen new residents and will announce a date for a formal event to recognise award recipients in coming weeks.

Meander Valley Council Volunteer Award Recipients 2022