Awards celebrate strong
Community spirit and volunteerism were celebrated at an Australia Day awards ceremony honouring Baw Baw Shire’s top citizens and community groups on Thursday night.
Judy Farmer of Drouin was named citizen of the year, honouring her tireless commitment to the Drouin community, particulalry her environmental focus.
Young citizen of the year was Jacob Bush while former councillor Debbie Brown and Matt Runnalls were both honoured with Australia Day medallions.
Council also awarded a number of community awards including: community event of the year – Warragul Snowfest; community contribution (environmental) – Friends of Drouin’s Tress; and community contribution (cultural) – Baw Baw Arts Alliance.
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood said Australia Day was an opportunity to stop and reflect about ourselves and our community, and what makes Australia so special.
Mr Blackwood said it was a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made…and “building on our amazing spirit of volunteerism.”
Mr Blackwood said we needed to walk beside our Kurnai elders to increase education for young people and help them top be engaged, committed adults.
“We won’t change the past but we can learn from our past to influence the future for the better,” he said.
Citizen of the year
Mayor Joe Gauci described Judy Farmer as a “remarkable woman” who had left her mark on the shire and more specifically Drouin.
Judy has been a member of the Committee for Drouin for 10 years, and most recently has been heavily involved in two community projects, both inspired and coordinated through her own initiative.
These included “Stories of Drouin” which was recording and editing the oral history of Drouin; and also the Friends of Drouin’s Trees which have done amazing things to protect and promote Drouin’s famous natural assets.
“For many years, Judy has been a passionate advocate for walking trails in and around Drouin and continues to contribute to the towns sustainable development and community reach,” he said.
Judy has been recognised with a Drouin Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship in 2016.
With a professional background as a qualified occupational therapist, Judy spent many years working in early childhood development.
She also is a dedicated member of the Church of Christ in Warragul and at various times over the years has served as a board member, treasurer, youth group leader and musician.
“Judy, your passion for your local community, kind hearted nature and generosity of time does not go unnoticed,” Cr Gauci said.
In accepting her award, Judy said she was forever grateful for the community she has lived in with her husband John and three children.
She acknowledged people from maternal health nurses to service organisations and the community in general for helping to raise their three children in a rural environment.
Judy spoke about her passion for two projects – the Stories of Drouin and Friends of Drouin’s Trees.
“It has been a delight to meet other people who love their town and natural environment,” she said.
Young citizen of the year
Jacob Bush was described in his nominations as an amazing person who continues to make a positive impact on others.
Cr Gauci said at a young age he was already displaying inspirational attributes such as leadership, kindness and selflessness.
Jacob participates in many different streams of the community including sport, volunteering and his keen leadership in different programs at the local Community Church Warragul where he has been a youth leader and cabin leader with Christian Youth Camp Ministries.
Jacob also has played hockey with the Gippsland Bulls for many years, continuing in 2017 where he played at a state level.
Jacob was a recipient of an Australia Day medallion in 2014.
Jacob said he enjoyed being part of the community and given back to his community.
“We can look back and reflect on what we have achieved and can achieve and continue to make an impact on our community,” he said.
Community event of the year
Warragul Snowfest, organised by the Warragul Business Group was described as a uniqiue event that within two year established itself as a popular event that Cr Gauci said delivered “smiles and fun memories” and helped to boost to the local economy.
“With real snow brought down from Mt Baw Baw, the event transforms the streets of the Warragul CBD into a winter wonderland for all to explore and enjoy.
“It takes a village to pull off an event like this, we take our hats off to the Warragul Business group who do an awesome job collaborating with the event partners,” he said.
Organising committee member Jenny Muir said the Snowfest began as a crazy idea to bring truck loads of snow to Warragul to showcase the town and some fun in the middle of winter.
She said a group of amazing people shared their experience and networks to develop the event.
She also acknowledged the many businesses and community oprganisations who helped build Snowfest into a successful event.