Local heroes recognised on Australia Day

Published on 28 January 2020

Council is proud to announce the recipients for the 2020 Australia Day Awards, who were presented with their awards as part of the Australia Day citizenship ceremony held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Sunday 26 January.

There were awards presented in four categories, Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Achievement, and Community Event.

Lisa Richards (pictured with Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce) is team leader and driving force behind the Waste Action Group that is part of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group. The group has a vision to reduce waste and litter to achieve a cleaner, less wasteful world. Lisa set up and ran the Wash Against Waste at the Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival. Lisa has worked with Council to perform rubbish audits, as well as many organisations across the region to help guide them in reducing their waste.

Georgie is a young person who connects with the Woodend and Newham community in a huge range of ways. Georgie supports both groups and individuals, and has an incredible rapport with those Georgie meets. Examples of Georgie’s engagement in the community include how Georgie is able to confidently welcome community members to a community lunch, support young children to develop an interest in reading, or to support adults in gaining skill with using social media or to communicate on various IT platforms.

Lloyd Pomroy, (also known as Neil), has been involved in many community groups. Neil has been volunteering at RM Begg Aged Care in Kyneton for five years assisting at meal times and with various leisure activities. As president of the Woodend Lifestyle Carers group, Neil has supported and mentored members. Neil has been a long time member of the Newham CFA Brigade, where he is known as a cheerful firefighter, providing strong support and leadership. Regardless of the activity, Neil gives time, talents and support generously.

Woodend Neighbourhood House hosted the 2019 RU OK Day community lunch.

The lunch was informal and friendly with a fantastic celebratory atmosphere. It was an opportunity for people to make new connections and start conversations, creating a sense of connection and belonging. There were many conversations and new friendships created across different sections of the community.