The smell of barbecue wafted through the humid summer air as Stawell residents came out to celebrate Australia Day in the true Australian style.
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There was no shortage of pride as members of the community proudly displayed the nation’s flag outside their home or waved it high above their heads at Australia Day ceremonies around the region.
The day of celebration was also an opportunity to recognise certain members of the community who had gone above and beyond to demonstrate what it meant to be Australian.
St Arnaud Australia Day award winners:
- Peter Knights – Citizen of the Year
- Nathan Grigg – Young Citizen of the Year
- Jean Gloster – Senior Citizen of the Year
- St Arnaud Hospital Foundation and their Broadway to St Arnaud evening – Community Event of the Year
- Country Women’s Association of St Arnaud; Lions Club of St Arnaud; Rotary Club of St Arnaud received certificates of appreciation
Stawell Australia Day award winners:
- Murray Hart – Citizen of the Year
- Melissa Sanders – Young Citizen of the Year
- Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network’s Stawell Skate Park Day – Community Event of the Year
- John Hunt – Local Hero
- Rotary Club of Stawell; Lions Club of Stawell; Jasmine Jagan; Northern Grampians Shire Youth Action Council received certificates of appreciation.
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Cr Tony Driscoll said rural communities were fuelled by the efforts of those who volunteered their time and efforts in order to strengthen the community.
He also said Australia Day was a chance to reflect on this.
“Today is an opportunity to recognise those whose achievements and contributions have helped to shape the community in which we all live, and whose tireless work ethic and passion best embody the values we all hold dear as Australian citizens,” he said