January 27th, 2020Australia Day awards

AUSTRALIA Day ceremonies were held by Macedon Ranges and Hepburn shire councils with recognition given to both citizens and events.

Macedon Ranges Shire’s Citizen of the Year is Lisa Richards.

Lisa is the team leader and driving force behind the Waste Action Group that is part of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group. The group has a vision to reduce waste and litter to achieve a cleaner, less wasteful world.

Lisa set up and ran the Wash Against Waste at the Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival. Lisa has worked with the council to perform rubbish audits, as well as many organisations across the region to help guide them in reducing their waste.

Young Citizen of the Year is Georgie Garvey Hawke, a young person who connects with the Woodend and Newham community in a huge range of ways. Georgie supports both groups and individuals, and has an incredible rapport with those she meets.

Examples of Georgie’s engagement in the community include how she is able to confidently welcome community members to a community lunch, support young children to develop an interest in reading, or to support adults in gaining skill with using social media or to communicate on various IT platforms.

Finally, the Community Achievement Award went to Lloyd (Neil) Pomroy who has been involved in many community groups. Neil has been volunteering at RM Begg Aged Care in Kyneton for five years assisting at meal times and with various leisure activities.

As president of the Woodend Lifestyle Carers group, Neil has supported and mentored members. Neil has been a long time member of the Newham CFA Brigade, where Neil is known as a cheerful firefighter, providing strong support and leadership. Regardless of the activity, Neil gives time, talents and support generously.

At Hepburn Shire, the Citizen of the Year is David Hall, the Young Citizen of the Year is Lachlan Wrigley and the Community Event of the Year is the Clunes Ceramic Awards.