Cardinia Shire Australia Day honours went to, from left, Clematis’ Adam Ballis – Young Citizen of the Year, Cockatoo’s Dot Griffin – Citizen of the Year, and Gembrook’s Hanna Salzwedel – Senior Citizen of the Year.FOR Hills people, the nation’s day of pride, Australia Day, was a time to celebrate local heroes.
People kickstarted the day with a traditional barbecue breakfast in Cockatoo, waiting anxiously to hear the winners of the town’s annual Australia Day awards.
It was no surprise when Dot Griffin was awarded not only the Citizen of the Year for the town but also for the Shire of Cardinia.
Ms Griffin is known for her hard work and determination to get the job done.
Known to many as the Velvet Steamroller, her achievements and work in the community are extensive. She has been associated with most groups in Cockatoo for many years, including the Cockatoo Traders’ Association, as part of which she took a lead role in cleaning up the town through replanting and tidying up McBride Street.
Ms Griffin assisted with the establishment of the Cockatoo Township Committee in 1998 and initiated a town forum to look at issues affecting the town. This sparked many projects throughout the close-knit community.
She also played a part in setting up the Cockatoo-Gembrook Bendigo Community Bank and is a member of Carols by Candlelight and the Community Bus.
Hanna Salzwedel of Gembrook and Adam Ballis of Clematis were also rewarded for their community work at the Australia Day ceremony in Pakenham.
Mr Ballis was named Cardinia Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year and Ms Salzwedel the Senior Citizen of the Year.
Ms Salzwedel participates in local events big and small and is involved with many Gembrook groups, including the Gembrook Primary School Parents’ and Friends’ Association, Gembrook Netball Club, Gembrook Scouts, Gembrook Business Group, and the town’s Senior Citizens Group. She was also a founding member of the Gembrook Hall Committee and supported the building of the community centre.
Mr Ballis was recognised for his hard work with the Gemco Theatre Company, where he volunteers his time to run acting classes for children to build self-esteem and sociability. The 17-year-old is a member of the JETS Scout Venturer unit, and is close to finishing the extensive requirement for the Queen Scout Award.
The three recipients were selected by an independent panel from a field of 24 hard-working citizens.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald said all nominees had been chosen for their outstanding and ongoing contributions to their local communities.
Meanwhile in the City of Knox, Australia Day award nominees and their families also enjoyed a traditional big breakfast.
This was followed by the presentation of award, which saw two of the foothills finest, Garry Lee and Allan Small, rewarded for their years of service to the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The Shire of Yarra Ranges also held an Australia Day awards ceremony in Lilydale.
The winners included a CFA volunteer, several environmental champions and a young citizen who is helping raise awareness of mental health issues.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said the awards marked the community and the council’s appreciation of people from all walks of life and ages who always went the extra mile.
