Community members the focus of Australia Day celebrations
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From a Myrtleford community member who dedicates her time to preserving and celebrating local biodiversity, to a young First Nations woman who is making the Alpine Shire a more culturally safe place, the calibre of award recipients this year is incredible.
Alpine Shire Mayor John Forsyth congratulated the award winners and said the nominations showcased the breadth and depth of achievements across local communities.
“The applications for this year’s awards showed that so many of our residents are doing great things - whether that’s excelling in their chosen field, giving back to the community or displaying great strength and resilience,” he said.
“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate not only our award recipients, but all of those who were nominated, and the many more who are the quiet achievers in our communities.
“More than ever, the Alpine Shire Australia Day Community Awards are an opportunity for us to be grateful and to recognise those who go above and beyond every day to make our communities what they are.”
Citizen of the Year was awarded to retired Kiewa Valley teacher and keen musician Meg Crebbin, who spreads her love of music through volunteering and continues to support community members of all ages to learn and flourish.
Sporting clubs shone bright at the awards this year, with the iconic Bright Croquet Club receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ovens Valley United Cricket Club recognised as Community Organisation of the Year.
Cr Forsyth said clubs of all shapes and sizes help create an active and connected community.
“With a history dating back 118 years, the Bright Croquet Club has been connecting the community for more than a century,” he said.
“The Ovens Valley Cricket Club has grown from strength to strength, with four teams and an impressive 20 Twenty cricket pedigree.
“Our sporting clubs are essential to any healthy community, so to see them recognised with these awards is fantastic.”
Alpine Shire Australia Day Community Awards 2023 recipients:
Local Achiever Kiewa Valley and Citizen of the Year | Meg Crebbin Local Achiever Bright and district | John Atkins Local Achiever Myrtleford and district | Gayle South Local Young Achiever Kiewa Valley | Callum Bowring Local Young Achiever Bright and district | Amaya Chula Local Young Achiever Myrtleford and district | Alex Cameron Community Organisation | Ovens Valley United Cricket Club Lifetime Achievement Award | Bright Croquet ClubLearn more about the winners at www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-awards/community-awards.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Ronco, Image Writer