Awards honour c
Les Matkovich was named citizen of the year for his passion and dedication to community radio in West Gippsland.
Australia Day medallions were presented to community workers Christina Williams and Shirley Westerberg while Olivia’s Place won the community contribution – cultural achievement and Warragul Parkrun won the community contribution – sporting achievement.
An awards ceremony was held on Wednesday night ahead of Australia Day celebrations around the shire on Thursday.
Mayor Joe Gauci said the awards provided a great platform to recognise and acknowledge those who give back to the community every day without seeking recognition.
“While the winner’s backgrounds and accomplishments are varied, each recipient exemplifies the spirit of Baw Baw and we are very fortunate to have so many extraordinary people living here in our shire,” he said.
Australia Day ambassador Peter Sullivan spoke briefly about his time in Australia’s music industry.
He has composed, produced and recorded original motion picture sound tracks for Australia films as well as writing for many leading Australian artists and groups.
He spoke about one of his most famous compositions, Up There Cazaly, that he produced with Mike Brady after Channel Seven gave him a brief to produce “a footy song” to match cricket’s C’mon Aussie promotion.
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood said the awards honoured a number of fantastic people who had made amazing contributions to our community.
“It’s a good time to celebrate what we should be so proud of and that’s the people who contribute to our community.
“The people receiving awards tonight are honouring the legacy of those before us.
“These people put their hand up and stand outside their comfort zone to help others; they are just helping their neighbours,” he said.
Member for Eastern Victoria region Melina Bath said volunteerism was alive and well in Baw Baw Shire.
“There is an old adage that the world is run by the people who show up,” she said.
Ms Bath said the people that “show up” were the ones that did all the organising, co-ordinating, setting-up, stay back to clean-up and send out the thank yous to ensure the event can run successfully again the following year.
“Collaboratively that means you do not just show up, but you continue to inspire people,” Ms Bath said.
Citizen of the Year
Les Matkovich was awarded Citizen of the Year for his longstanding dedication to the 3BBR FM radio station amongst many other communityfocused commitments.
“For 23 years Les has immersed himself in the ongoing survival and promotion of community radio station 3BBR FM at local, state and national level, and is constantly applying for grants and raising funds to go towards the upkeep of the station.
“Les continues to support a long list of other local community groups and is never too busy to lend time and a kind ear to listen, often supporting members through times of stress, bereavement or ill health,” Cr Gauci said.
Mr Matkovich said he did what he did because it helped people.
“It is helping people that aren’t covered by commercial radio stations. As a community radio we don’t encroach on commercial stations but we are there for the community..
Mr Matkovich said the radio station was continuing to grow in membership and its services, providing easy listening music for people and community service announcements.
“It is great to be part of an organisation that is helping people. Even though we don’t see our listeners, we get a lot of calls thanking us.
“Radio provides company, encouragement and happiness and that’s why I do it,” he said.
Medallion winners
Christina Williams has been a dedicated Hill End community member for many years and over the last 10 years played a pivotal role in instigating and maintaining the Hill End Community Inc as president and active participant. She was instrumental in gaining permission from the state government to retain the closed Hill End Primary School for community use and remains the driving force behind community events at the school.
“It’s true to say that the local Hill End community would not be what it is today if it wasn’t for Chris’ contribution,” Cr Gauci said.
Ms Williams said she was honoured to receive the award but she was “just part of the ship’s crew.”