Kingston’s 2019 Australia Day Awards Announced

29 January 2019

A tireless volunteer who has dedicated more than 40 years to serving the community has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2019 Kingston Australia Day Awards. 

Beverly Fitzharris was announced as Kingston’s 2019 Citizen of the Year as part of Kingston Council’s annual Australia Day Breakfast on Saturday January 26 at the Kingston City Hall.  

A citizenship ceremony, where 80 people became new Australian citizens, was also a highlight of the Australia Day celebrations.  

Presenting the Citizen of the Year Award, Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley paid tribute to Ms Fitzharris’ longterm commitment to her community and local health services. 

“Beverly has spent decades volunteering with passion and selfless commitment to make Kingston and Melbourne’s south-east a stronger community,” Cr Oxley said.  

“This award offers our grateful thanks for her efforts for the positive impact she has made over many years to our community.”  

Ms Fitzharris was a founding member of the Moorabbin Hospital Ladies Auxiliary 43 years ago and served for many, many years as auxiliary secretary.  

“She was also a powerhouse fundraiser for the group, serving in the kiosk each month, making flower arrangements, pickles and jams to sell and helping organising the annual fete for many years,” Cr Oxley said.  

In honour of her efforts she was enrolled as a Life Governor of the Monash Medical Centre. 

Beverly also volunteered at the Caulfield Hospital for four years feeding patients, mending clothes and volunteering in the kiosk.  She was also a member of Heartbeat Cabrini Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and has volunteered at local schools and kindergarten.  

An award for the Community Group of the Year was also presented at the event to the Save Kingswood Group, which brought together thousands of people in the Dingley Village community to make sure the community’s voice was heard regarding a proposed development of the Kingwood Golf Course. 

“The Save Kingswood Group dedicated large amounts of time door knocking the community, holding public meetings and encouraging locals to get involved in the democratic process,” Cr Oxley said.