Ray accepts award for all volunteers

Trafalgar’s many volunteers were recognised at a community breakfast held at Trafalgar Public Hall on Friday.

While Trafalgar’s citizen of the year Ray James spoke on building the local TrafalgarThorpdale RSL up from recession, he said he accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers in the town. “They all do a fantastic job,” he said. In introducing Trafalgar’s citizen of the year, Rod Boon explained three people in the community were selected to judge the winner, with the juding panel of community minded people to be rotated each year.

Mr James said the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL had made a commitment that every cenotaph that has a name on it is recognised on Anzac day and Remembrance day.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood gave the keynote address.

“Our nation lives in harmony, and for that we are the envy of other nations in the world,” he said.

“I encourage people to give a hand up to those who need it, and make sure everyone is happy and safe.”

Mr Blackwood thanked event organiser David Lyons for giving so much to the Trafalgar community.

Baw Baw Shire Councillor Peter Kostos congratulated Baw Baw Shire’s award winners.

“There would be at least 20 people who would be equally deserving for each award,” he said.

He encouraged people to think about nominations for the 2019 Australia Day awards.

Guest speaker and president of Rotary Club of Trafalgar David Watts reflected on what volunteering meant to him.

“I hope I have given an insight to why Ivolunteer, why Ilove Trafalgar and Australia<”he said.

Members of the First Scout Group of Trafalgar handed guests flags and acted as master of ceremonies for the event.

The Lions Club of Trafalgar catered for the 150 guests with a bacon and egg breakfast.