Small and enthusiastic crowd for Australia Day celebrations

Wet weather and COVID restrictions affected the usual crowd for Australia Day in Warragul last Tuesday, but the small crowd was enthusiastic for the celebrations.

The constant rain forced a change of the planned outdoor activities with the presentations occurring in the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Baw Baw Shire citizen of the year Louise Young, young citizen Charlotte Smithett, Australia Day medallion winner Bernie Walsh and community organisation of the year Baw Baw Food Relief.

Louise was recognised for her community connection in the Ellinbank district. As well as connections with the Ellinbank Playgroup and Warragul Regional College parents and friends, Louise produces a community newsletter at Ellinbank.

Her major commitment is to the Ellinbank Badminton Club as player, committee member and coach.

Mayor Danny Goss said she was the ultimate local community role model, a true leader and quiet achiever.

Louise said she was humbled to be nominated, let alone receive the award.

She acknowledged other community members who performed voluntary work selflessly and who gave so much for their causes.

She said she wasn’t strong at sport, but she had always enjoyed playing badminton and wanted to encourage others to do the same.

She said it was great for young and old alike and she encouraged people to “give it a go.”

Charlotte Smith received her award for her commitment to young people, particularly her fellow Scouts. As a member of Ist Drouin Scouts, Charlotte has taken part in many community fundraisers, organised nights with her Scout troop to clean up around the town and was always offering to help other people.

Cr Goss thanked Charlotte for continuing to be an example to other people, particularly young people.

Charlotte said she was honoured to receive the award. She thanked her family and other Scouts for supporting her.

“Hopefully 2021 will be a long and active year,” she said.

In a new award this year, Baw Baw Food Relief was named community organisation of the year after last year taking out community event of the year.

The non-profit charity, supported by more than 70 volunteers, provides food to people facing financial hardship.

Volunteer Jan Morton said the hard-working volunteers had contributed many hours in the past year to ensure residents in need were catered for.

She said the year began still assisting people affected by bushfire and quickly turned to people affected by the pandemic. She said the organisation was able assist to because of the support of volunteers and the local community. Support would continue into 2021 to ensure that no-one would go hungry in the shire, she said.

“Baw Baw Food Relief is there for everyone in the community,” she said.

Drouin Secondary College teacher Bernie Walsh received the medallion for his unique teaching style. Described as a passionate driven and resilient teacher, he has also made a significant contribution to the community.

Bernie said he was honoured to receive the award. He said he had loved helping kids.

“That is what drives me to forward to try and do more,” he said.

Seven citizens from five countries took part in a citizenship ceremony conducted by Cr Goss. He said with the global pandemic and everything that people had been through the commitment of citizenship was even more significant.

The citizens included Johanna Martina Bankers, Raymond Haley, Jennifer Mary Hudson, David Koopmans, Christine Robinson, Gurnam Ranasinghe and Rizleigh Trisburne Ranasinghe.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood acknowledged that Australia Day was a time to “go on and do more to involve First Nations people. It is the oldest culture in the world. For our local Kurnai people we can’t change the past, but we can influence their future,” he said.

Both Mr Blackwood and Cr Goss thanked the Warragul Municipal Band.

Warragul Lions Club members provided a barbecue for the small crowd.