Locals honored at Australia Day Awards

Don Simpson has been named Citizen of the Year at Meander Valley Council’s Australia Day Awards.

A lifetime resident of Meander Valley and a local business owner for over 30 years, Mr Simpson’s contributions to the community have been significant. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Deloraine for over 30 years, an enlisted serviceman for the Deloraine Army Reserve for 25 years and drove the local school bus for 35 years.

An active volunteer, Mr Simpson has given his time freely to help with local initiatives for many decades.

Meander Valley’s Community Event of the Year was awarded to Purple 4 Prostate.

Based in Westbury, Purple 4 Prostate raise funds to support sufferers of prostate cancer. Throughout the year, they have held auctions, sausage sizzles, markets and open days and some members have even raised funds by shaving their heads. Together they have raised an incredible $34K in funding.

Lachlan Gleeson was awarded the Meander Valley Sports Award. A successful darts player for many years, Lachlan has won two Deloraine Darts Association championships and was chosen to represent Australia at the Junior Darts Corporation World Cup held in Gibraltar in 2019.

21 volunteers from the municipal area were also recognised for their contributions, with the operators of Deloraine House receiving an exceptional service award for their work throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.

“When similar support agencies were closing, Deloraine House was expanding their services and were the only organisation of this kind that remained open in the north of the state,” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Deloraine House became a vital service, providing emergency and food relief to stranded backpackers, temporarily unemployed harvest workers and the homeless.

Their pantry staples initiative was so successful it continues to operate today.

“The past year has been particularly challenging and I am humbled by the generosity, ingenuity and remarkable resilience demonstrated by community organisations and individual volunteers alike. They are the reason Meander Valley has remained so connected.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was a scaled down affair and run a little differently. However, the sentiment remains and we appreciate the efforts of Council officers and staff at Country Club Tasmania for the extra work required to enable us to recognise the efforts of those who have contributed so much,” Mayor Johnston said.

2021 Award Recipients

Meander Valley Citizen of the Year
Don Simpson

Meander Valley Sports Award
Lachlan Gleeson

Meander Valley Community Event of the Year
Purple 4 Prostate

Exceptional Volunteer Awards
Deloraine House
Peter Ashton
Nell Carr

3,000 Hours Voluntary Service
Sue Bowman
Albert De Veth
Debbie Everson
Anne Harvey
Stuart Harvey
Judith Nutting
Roger Nutting
Sue Poulton
Anne Sackley
Jan Smith
Wayne Smith
Rodney Swan

1,000 Hours Voluntary Service
Jan Atkins
Hannah Chatwin
Janusz Chaberka
Janet Morley
Janice Poulton
Alexandra Tabor