Loddon Shire Mayoral Column

Published on 27 January 2020

Australia Day across Loddon Shire

I would like to congratulate all of our community groups and volunteers for another wonderful round of Australia Day celebrations across our Shire on Sunday 26 January.

This is a great day for all Australians to reflect on what it means to be Australian and is a wonderful recognition of the hard work of those who contribute so much to our community.

I would like to congratulate our Australia Day award recipients, in particular Loddon Shire’s Citizen of the Year Peter Norman.

Since moving to Wedderburn in 1967, Peter has worked tirelessly for the benefit of his community. He has been involved with more than twenty community groups and committees, including holding executive positions.

Some of Peter’s groups include the Korong Bush Nursing Hospital, Korong Hospital Investment Fund, Wedderburn Bowling Club, Shire of Korong, Neighbourhood Watch, Wedderburn Cemetery Trust and the Wedderburn Tourist Development fund, to name just a few.

Peter has given countless hours and has been instrumental in gaining some major improvements for the people of Wedderburn. He is still an ongoing member of many clubs and organisations.

I would also like to congratulate Calivil’s Chelsea Hicks and Eddington’s William Morrison for being awarded joint recipients of the Young Citizen of the Year.

Chelsea has demonstrated a strong sense of volunteerism and community spirit. She is involved with a broad range of community groups in the Calivil area and the East Loddon P-12 College. Chelsea was active in the life of her school while still remaining a committed student with a strong passion for nursing as a career. Her positive contribution to her community in the areas of sporting, academic, social and cultural involvements has set a great example to her peers and younger students.

Despite his young age, William Morrison also displays great leadership skills, work ethic and empathy for young and old. He has been instrumental in raising funds for the ‘Shave for a Cure’ charity and has shaved his head on three occasions and encouraged others to contribute to this worthy cause.

Other award recipients acknowledged on the day included the Community Event of the Year which was awarded to Boort Senior Citizens. Their ‘Wedding Dresses Through the Ages’ event, showcased over sixty gowns and accessories from the 1930s through to modern day. The lavish event involved the cooperation of a number of community groups and provided the audience with a memorable and enjoyable occasion.

Other award recipients were: Isabel Loader (Boort Community Service Award), Joe Watts (Inglewood Community Service Award), Hedley Price (Tarnagulla Community Service Award), Karen Fazzani (Wedderburn Community Service Award) and David Demaine (Terrick Community Service Award). Other community groups recognised were Rejoov Salon (Wedderburn) and Tandarra Junior Tennis Competition (Terrick).

In addition, I would like to congratulate all of our Loddon Shire Australia Day competition winners for their fantastic entries of colouring, literature and photography. I also congratulate the Township Committees for their tireless efforts to bring these events to our towns.

I was honoured to officiate at the Pyramid Hill ceremony where the guest speaker was Dr Norman Eizenberg and also the Dingee ceremony where the guest speaker was Mrs Alma Besserdin. I enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate our nation with others as a community.

Bridgewater Triathlon

Following on from the high profile event of the EzyTow Malibu Australian Masters at Bridgewater last weekend, the Loddon River is again the drawcard for our region when the Bridgewater Triathlon takes place on Sunday 2 February.

Now in its 17th year, the Bridgewater Triathlon offers a fun day out for experienced triathletes and first timers alike. There are four events to choose from, which give participants the option of long or short courses and even a duathlon option for those not keen on swimming.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of local businesses, there are lots of prizes available. In addition, there is the opportunity to win $1000 to donate to the charity of your choice.

The event is aimed at attracting families and friends to enjoy the pathways and scenery of the Loddon River while making the most of an active and fun day out. All junior participants receive a medal and voucher for the Bridgewater Bakehouse.

Registrations are currently available online and registrations made on the day attract a late fee. Visit the website https://www.bridgewatertriathlon.com/ for details of event schedules, entry fees and to register.

Did you know

While on the subject of recognising and celebrating the significant achievements of people in our community, one way to celebrate important milestones is to request a Congratulatory Letter from the Mayor, Prime Minister, Premier, Governor General and Queen.

Applications are made through your local State Member. Requests which will be considered include Congratulatory Letters for 90th, 100th, 105th birthdays and every year after. Also eligible are 50th wedding anniversaries as well as diamond, 65th and platinum anniversaries. Each occasion is a separate request and requires supporting documentation.

To request an anniversary letter, visit the Victorian Government website: https://www.vic.gov.au/request-anniversary-letter-from-premier or the Federal Government website: https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/anniversary-messages.