Ray takes the top honour

By Lilly O’Gorman
CARDINIA Shire Citizen of the Year Ray Brown was one of five recipients of Australia Day honours, presented by Cardinia Shire Mayor George Blenkhorn, at the official celebrations in Pakenham.
The Kooweerup citizen was chosen from ten nominees in recognition of the work he had completed as a past chairman of the Kooweerup Township committee. He was a member for 12 years since its inception.
Mr Brown said he felt privileged and honoured to be recognised among past winners.
“To say I’m surprised to receive this award would be an understatement,” Mr Brown said.
“I encourage local volunteers to continue with their great work.”
Senior Citizen of the Year John Goff also implored others to take up volunteering – if only to benefit from its anti-ageing properties.
The 95-year-old said since retiring from full-time work, volunteering had given him a feeling of belonging and of being a valuable contributor to the community.
“I think it has also slowed the ageing process down, so I do recommend volunteering,” Mr Goff said.
He thanked Living Learning in Cardinia and said it was a great pleasure to be associated with the volunteer group for 16 years.
Young Citizen of the Year Lauren Harrison encouraged all teenagers to take on every opportunity presented to them. Ms Harrison received an award to walk the Kokoda Track last year.
Kooweerup Community Art Show, run in conjunction with Kooweerup Regional Health Services and Kooweerup Secondary College, was recognised as the community event of the year.
The award was accepted by Maree Evans and Toby Sargent. The Community Service Award was presented to Geoff Pledge, who thanked his wife and family and accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved in community service.
Mr Pledge is a past principal of Kooweerup Secondary College.
“You get a tremendous buzz from seeing people achieve things that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” he said.
The award recipients were selected by the Cardinia Australia Day Advisory Committee, an independent committee chaired by community member, Olive Elston.
An Australian Citizenship ceremony was part of the proceedings with 26 people taking the oath of allegiance, joining the Cardinia Shire community as new Australian citizens.
Australia Day Ambassador for Cardinia Shire, Doug Christie, managing director of The Focus Communications Group gave an address.
The Cardinia Cultural Centre hosted the main Australia Day event in the shire, with hundreds turning out for the festivities but celebrations were also held at Cockatoo, Kooweerup and Lang Lang.
A free sausage sizzle and a range of family activities including face painting, a jumping castle, cricket and entertainment were set up for families during and after the official proceedings.