Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (20:31): The Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years have been presenting service awards and did so recently on Australia Day. They have presented over 250 service awards, and the president Leah Montebello and her team – and I want to acknowledge her team of Ashley Lamers, Don Paproth, John Duscher, Brett Tessari, Graham Sprague and Ray McCurry – attended and celebrated with the community. On this day, which I celebrated with them, Hook and Jean Matthews of Glen Alvie received a community service award. John Walsh received a community service award. He has been in everything, like most community members. He has been the president and treasurer and mentor of the Dalyston Football Netball Club. He is a generous person at community working bees, working in the background. Jamie Moresco, a CFA volunteer and an incredible person, also received a community award. Russell Cargill received a community and sports award. The environment, conservation and arts award was won by a combination husband-and-wife team Geoff Glare and Anne Looney. Congratulations to them and to the Wonthaggi SES for recognition of 50 years of service. But the Citizen of the Year award went to Rodney McLean, a humble volunteer. He has been a long-time volunteer CFA member and volunteer with Uncle Bob’s Club and Friends of the State Coalmine, and he is an all-round fantastic bloke.