As a part of its Australia Day celebrations, Moorabool council welcomed 37 new citizens and announced the winners of the annual Australia Day Awards at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.
Moorabool residents were recognised for outstanding contributions to the community in four categories – Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Mayor Award and Citizen of the Year.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ophelia Fernando. Currently a year 12 student at St Francis Catholic College, Ms Fernando was nominated for her tireless efforts in the service of community through St John Ambulance; her commitment to social justice within her school; and her contributions to youth development within Moorabool.
Moorabool mayor Ally Munari congratulated Ms Fernando.
“Her work ethic, leadership skills and excellent community and collaborative nature make her an outstanding candidate,” she said.
Ms Fernando gave thanks to council and the community for the recognition.
“Creating meaningful friendships was one of the main reasons for me becoming obsessed with volunteering… though, my main reason was to construct a skillset applicable to the medical field, allowing me to aid those enduring physical, emotional and psychological pain, therefore fueling me with pride knowing I am relieving them of discomfort,” she said.
“Job opportunities are a product of volunteering, integrity and interpersonal skills are a product of volunteering, strong, developed and connected communities like ours are a product of volunteering – become a volunteer as a youth or an adult member. My name is Ophelia Fernando, I am a volunteer, and a proud one.”
The Community Event of the Year was presented to Moorafun’s Dotty Hazel for the Bacchus Marsh EasterFest. The much-loved community event is run by volunteers provides the community much joy while raising funds for the Bacchus Marsh Hospital.
The Mayor Award went to David Hookey, the 32-year Moorabool resident has been a CFA member for a half-century, as well as a member of Ballan Rotary for 21 years, the Ballan Mechanics Institute for five years, is a part of the Ballan Cemetery Trust. As a committee member of the Moorabool Wind Farm, he has been a tireless worker in the eradication of the European Wasp along the Werribee River.
The Citizen of the Year award went to Emma Muir for her advocacy work with the Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance.
