Double act that cares and shares

TWO community leaders have been recognised as the Shire of Yarra Ranges Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
Mayor Monika Keane said that there was no way she could separate the two women and decided to split the Australia Day honour between Beryl Phillips and Di Moore.
Beryl Phillips, formerly of Mt Evelyn, received the award for her role as an active community member.
Ms Phillips has worked tirelessly in many areas, including her role as the former president of the Mt Evelyn Environment and Progress Association.
As the president, Ms Phillips spearheaded campaigns to save the Warburton Trail and establish the Owl Land.
Ms Phillips was also involved in Aboriginal reconciliation and music in the Hills since the early 1970’s.
Accepting her award, Ms Phillips said she still couldn’t believe that she had been nominated.
“When I got the letter in the mail saying I’d been nominated, I just couldn’t stop laughing,” she said.
Former shire councillor Di Moore also was honoured.
Cr Keane said throughout her 17-year career as a local councillor, Mrs Moore was known as someone who facilitated strong community consultation and always encouraged community partnerships, working toward sustainable growth environmentally, economically and socially.
Mrs Moore said she was honoured to receive the award, but all she has ever done was to be herself.
“I have really enjoyed my whole life, and my late husband always encouraged me to get out and get involved in the local community,” she said.
“We all need each other and need to work together, whether friends or foe, for the benefit of our community.”