Wednesday, 14 May 2025

City of Casey community awards

Pauline RICHARDS (Cranbourne) (19:11): (1136) My adjournment is to the Minister for Local Government, and the action I seek is an update on how we are supporting the City of Casey to be an inclusive and vibrant place for people to live, work and raise a family and a visit to hear how wonderful the people are in Cranbourne.

I had the pleasure of joining the member for Narre Warren North at the City of Casey awards evening in what was a night of nights. I am so pleased to represent and live in a community known for our altruism and optimism, and that was on full display at the awards night. I would like to acknowledge the recipients of the awards.

The Casey Citizen of the Year was a joint award with Anthony Hanna, whose generosity and dedication shone through in his volunteer work at Vinnies across three locations. His deep commitment to community safety and education is evident in his roles with Neighbourhood Watch Casey, Merinda Park Learning and Jen Community Housing. The other joint Citizen of the Year award goes to Antonia Arfaras, who has been a dedicated volunteer for over 30 years, making a profound impact on stroke awareness and advocacy. Her tireless efforts earned her the 2024 National Stroke Foundation Volunteer of the Year award, and she continues to inspire through leadership at the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park. The Senior of the Year Joseph Anthony Swindle is passionate about his community. Uncle Joe strives to make everyone feel happy, included and supported in their cultural journey, whether he is helping mob trace their bloodlines, lending an ear or helping at the Casey Aboriginal gathering place. He is always there with a warm smile. The Casey Young Citizen of the Year is Matthew Young. Matthew James Young has a dedication to sports and charity and has made a powerful impact, raising nearly $20,000 for kids’ cancer research. His commitment to giving back extends to blood donations and inspiring excellence in his workplace, and he is of course a great and very famous, well known and well-loved St Peter’s alumnus. The Equity and Inclusion Award went to Ren Tumath, who has been an influential volunteer in Casey for over 30 years focusing on supporting the LGBTIQ+ community and founding Casey Cardinia Pride. Their advocacy work extends to disability rights, serving on the Casey Disability Advisory Group. The Woman of the Year is Chanchal Kumavat. She is a vibrant community leader whose work has uplifted thousands in Casey.

The Community Group of the Year is the Peninsula Community Legal Centre, led ably by Jackie Galloway, which has provided legal services since 1977. The Environment and Sustainability Champion Award goes to Fiona Smale, who has had an exceptional commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of koalas. The Lindsay King Art Award goes to Bridie Clark, whose BATS Theatre Company – I have experienced – has contributed to her expertise as a choreographer and as a director. And the Highly Commended community group was Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren. I am very much looking forward to hearing the minister’s response, and I look forward to seeing the recipients face to face.