Humble youth is a worthy winner- Cardinia Shire chief executive Garry McQuillan on stage with

By Melissa Grant
EUGENE Mackinnon’s impressive resume of community service has won him Cardinia’s 2009 Young Citizen of the Year Award.
The 20-year-old from Maryknoll has clocked up more volunteer hours than most people do in a lifetime.
Mr Mackinnon is involved in many community ventures from sports to the arts to his local CFA.
Despite his outstanding commitment to his community, the accomplished youth was very humble when he was presented with the coveted award.
So much so, Eugene last week visited mayor Bill Pearson to say he couldn’t accept the accolade.
“He said ‘several of my friends have been nominated and I don’t think I’m worthy’,” Cr Pearson said.
And when accepting the award, Eugene paid tribute to the 13 young people who were in the running for the honour – and everyone else who was nominated for an Australia Day award.
“I congratulate all the nominees and award recipients as their work goes beyond the call of duty,” he said.
Eugene has been involved with the Cardinia Shire Civic Concert Band for 10 years and a volunteer for Maryknoll CFA for five years.
As a student at Marist-Sion College, Eugene was twice presented with the Marcellin Champagnat Award – in 2006 and 2008 – for his contributions to the school community, upholding family values and the school ethos.
He was awarded a music scholarship by the school and was captain of the school’s performing arts.
Eugene also loves sport – he is the captain of the Baw Baw Hockey team and plays football for Nar Nar Goon.
Eugene said it was an honour to be chosen for the 2009 Young Citizen of the Year Award and dedicated it to his family.