THE late Peter Carthew has been posthumously awarded Ararat Ambassador for his decades of dedication to the community.
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Mr Carthew along side Ararat Fire Brigade (Community Spirit Award) and Ararat Neighbourhood House (Inspiring Healthy Living award) were honoured in an official Australia Day ceremony.
Mr Carthew passed away in December 2019,
Mr Carthew co-founded AME Systems and was heavily involved in the community, giving his time to East Grampians Health Service, Ararat Musical Comedy Society, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch, and Ararat Legacy among others.
He also had a political career serving on the Shire of Ararat council and then as Chairman of Commissioners during the council amalgamations.
READ MORE: Honouring the life of Peter Carthew AM
Mr Carthew was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2005.
His award was accepted by longtime friend Dianne Radford.
"In the words of his dear friend and colleague Dianne Radford OAM, Peter Carthew's philosophy was simple - "people matter most" - and his community work thoroughly demonstrated that ethos," Ararat Rural City Mayor Jo Armstrong said.
"With a generosity of spirit that is rare to find, Peter never sought praise or recognition for his ongoing work with the community and business sector, preferring instead to lift others up for recognition."
The Community Spirit Award went to the Ararat Fire Brigade for not only their firefighting efforts but for the immense amount of charity and volunteer work that helps all sections of the community.
Most recently the fire brigade has taken part in regular strike teams heading to fire-affected areas in East Gippsland and New South Wales, while also working to keep the town and broader region safe.
Each member donates its time and sometimes money to the cause, and contributes to greater community life as well.
"Members have attended local kindergarten open days, school fetes and school fire awareness programs, marshalled for quad bike competitions, opened the gates to the running track early morning for the markets, and much more," Cr Armstrong said.
"They are able to work alongside paramedics, police, SES and all kinds of people to get the job done safely.
"The Ararat Brigade also assist and support other communities in crisis in the bushfire season while making sure enough members stay home to help their own towns. They support the smaller surrounding towns too. They support mental wellbeing and awareness."
The Inspiring Healthy Living award went to the Ararat Neighbourhood House for it's Secondbite and foodbank programs.
The organisation provides numerous services to the town, including social groups, courses and workshops and food banks.
The house hosted a community celebration in 2019, International Day of People with Disability, in collaboration with many other groups and organisations.
Ararat Neighbourhood House, its manager, staff and volunteers are to be commended with their tireless work supporting the health and wellbeing of our community," Cr Armstrong said.
"Ararat Rural City Council congratulates them on winning the 2020 Inspiring Healthy Living Award."
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It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.