Patrick Gurrie has achieved a great deal since moving to Caroline Springs 14 years ago.
“I got here about 12 months after Caroline Springs was started,’’ he says.
“A lot of things are established down there now, with the sports clubs and commercial centres, but 14 years ago there was nothing.
“I was president of the Caroline Springs development committee at one stage and I’ve been involved in building two schools and the presbytery, and now the Catholic Church.”
Mr Gurrie’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the 68-year-old named as Melton City’s citizen of the year at Sunday’s Australia Day celebrations.
“I thought it was magnificent that my peers recognise some of the work I’ve been doing … you do it for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
The father of three and grandfather of five is also involved in the suburb’s dog-obedience club, and he coaches an under-15 cricket
team.
“There’s always things to be done,’’ he says. “People come and tap me on the shoulder and ask different things. I’m one of those people who doesn’t say no too often, and I have the time and experience and skills to carry these things out.”
Caroline Springs’ Claire Mouser, group leader of the 1st Caroline Springs Scout Group, was presented with the inaugural Melton woman of the year award.
“The whole inaugural bit hasn’t hit me yet, I guess,’’ she said. “I’ve been involved with the Scout group for the past two to three years and there hasn’t been a woman of the year award, but I’m surprised that there wasn’t some other woman with a big shining light to get it.”
Taylors Lakes Secondary College student Sara McInnes was named youth citizen of the year. Sara, who turned 15 yesterday, was nominated for her community work, including with Girl Guides and Riding For The Disabled.
“So many people have given to me,” she says, “and so I want to give back to the community and help other people.’’
