Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Eureka electorate community awards

Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) (09:54): Community is at the heart of every country town, and it is wonderful to celebrate the people who make that community happen. Golden Plains Shire Council puts on a great event every year in a different corner of that wonderful shire, and this year it was in lovely Haddon. A big congratulations to the Young Citizen of the Year Caitlin Cadby. She was a vital member of the young women’s leadership program and is a really extraordinary woman. The Community Impact Award was won by Maddy McColl of Meredith Tennis Club. It had been out of operation for 10 years. Maddy got behind it, and it is now a huge and thriving community event down at Meredith.

In Bacchus Marsh the EasterFest won the Community Event of the Year; this is a fantastic family event which raises money for the Bacchus Marsh Hospital. David Hookey won the Mayor Award; David has been strongly associated with Ballan Rotary. Ophelia Fernando won the Young Citizen of the Year and Emma Muir won Citizen of the Year.

I was really delighted that at the Ballarat Community Awards the Mega Ganesh Festival 2023 won the Community Event of the Year. I know my colleagues in Wendouree and Ripon were as delighted as I was to see this wonderful festival recognised. Also, a shout-out to Kevin Moneghetti.