By JESSE GRAHAM
THE Dandenong Ranges were well-represented at the Yarra Ranges Council’s Australia Day awards yesterday, with residents and community groups across the hills honoured for their actions.
The Patch Primary School’s Michelle Rayner, who has encouraged her students to go the extra mile in creating green spaces at the school, received the Ian De La Rue Community Leadership Award at the ceremony yesterday (Monday 26 January).
In 1994, Ms Rayner had yet to start at the school, and while visiting with her young children enrolled, she noticed an overgrown dam and saw the potential for change.
The Wetlands Project is the result of that potential, with the once-polluted dam now turned into a rich habitat and reserve, and children at the school have the outdoors as their classroom thanks to Ms Rayner.
Meanwhile, Mater Christi student and Narre Warren East resident Caitlin MacDonald received the Ken McIntosh Memorial Award for Young Environmental Achiever of the Year.
Mount Evelyn’s Prue Northey, who has chaired the Yarra Ranges Relay for Life for the last two years was named as Youth Citizen of the Year.
The town had three other award winners at the ceremony, including former-resident Ben Ellis, who was named Environmental Achiever of the Year; Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, Roger Boness; and resident Andrew Roberts, who received a certificate of recognition.
WinHort Yarra Ranges, a group encouraging rural women to become involved in horticultural issues, the Dandenong Ranges Music Council and Project Upwey all scored certificates of recognition, as well.
Healesville’s Brian Luscombe was named as Citizen of the Year, while the C3777 Township Group and Healesville’s 150th Steering Committee were jointly-named as Community Group of the Year.
Kilsyth’s Neil Cameron and the Mooroolbark Lions Club were also Certificate of Recognition recipients.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Maria McCarthy said the awards highlighted the “outstanding contributions” of residents and community groups.
“We are so lucky to have such passionate community members in Yarra Ranges,” Cr McCarthy said.
“The award winners have put their communities first and it is important we acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.”
For more photos of the Australia Day Award winners, and for photos from events on the day, visit mail.starcommunity.com.au.
