2021 Citizen of the Year nominees

Published on 02 February 2021

Two Gannawarra Shire Council residents dedicated to their communities and interests were honoured during the announcement of the 2021 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year on 20 January 2021.

Council received three nominees for the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award, which was presented to Pattie McDonald during a civic ceremony at Kerang’s Atkinson Park.

“Gannawarra Shire Council’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year program, presented as part of the municipality’s Australia Day festivities, celebrate the achievements of our passionate community members,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

Quambatook resident, Max Cameron was nominated for his dedication to many of the town’s groups.

The treasurer and committed member of the Quambatook Cemetery Trust, Mr Cameron also a long-term committee member of the Quambatook Bowling Club, and has played a role with the town’s fire brigade, Co-Operative Church, Tractor Pull organising committee, Apex Club, cricket club and football club.

Meanwhile, the founder of the Kerang Environmental Study Centre, George Hardwick was nominated for his works in improving the environment and educating younger generations about its importance.

A life member of VRFish and the Mid Northern District Association of Angling Clubs, Mr Hardwick was a formation member of the Kerang Regional Salinity Action Committee, a volunteer with the Kerang Neighbourhood House for 26 years and is a member of the Loddon Murray Plant Australia Society.

“Council congratulates Max and George for being nominated, and thanks those who nominated this year’s finalists for taking the time to recognise our great community leaders,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Nominations for the 2022 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year awards will open later this year, so I encourage residents to start thinking now about who in their community should be recognised for this prestigious annual awards program.”

ABOVE: Max Cameron (left) and George Hardwick were nominated for the 2021 Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year Award.