By DANIELLE GALVIN AND BRIDGET SCOTT
CHEERS from the audience at the Cardinia Cultural Centre signalled the start of a new life for 53 of the Cardinia Shire’s newest residents on Sunday.
Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore welcomed the shire’s culturally diverse new residents from Sri Lanka, South Africa and the UK.
“The Cardinia Shire is a diverse and growing one,” Cr Moore said.
“It is important that we grow, our residents continue to be given the opportunity to contribute to the community by volunteering, joining sporting and service clubs, play groups, community houses and other community organisations,” he said.
Cr Moore said it was 30 years ago that he moved to Nar Nar Goon and fell in love with the mural town and its people.
He encouraged everyone to join Rotary, engage with their communities in Scouts or Lions.
“Australia Day provides us a fantastic chance to celebrate everything that this great country means to us,” he said.
“It is a chance to celebrate our freedoms and fortunes with our family and friends.
“It is a chance to sing our national anthem with pride and pay respects to those who have sacrificed to make this nation what it is today.”
Dr Peter Ellyard, a futurist, strategist and author, spoke at the event about what it means to live on the urban fringe.
The Australia Day committee received 28 nominations for this year’s awards.
Upper Beaconsfield’s Matt McDonald was named Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year for his work in the community including the Ash Wednesday recovery, Village Bell, township group, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and more.
“There are many people who deserve this award, it takes teams of people to keep the community functioning,” he said.
Mr McDonald was also involved in the Men’s Shed in Upper Beaconsfield and was thrilled to have his daughter Elizabeth in the crowd.
Cardinia Shire Young Person of the Year Adele Mepstead has been involved with the Relay for Life committee, Blue Light Disco, Scouts and more.
“I do it because I love it,” she said.
“I don’t think I deserve it though for planning and having so much fun at the same time.”
Dale Blair from the Performing and Visual Arts in Emerald Festival (PAVE) accepted the Community Event of the Year Award.
He said the committee was proud of what they had achieved and that in times of crisis and stress, he hoped the community could find solace in the knowledge that they were not alone.
Affectionately known as Jumping Jack Flash to family and friends, well known Pakenham resident Jack Mitchell was awarded the accolade of Cardinia Shire Senior Citizen of the Year.
Humble in his approach, Mr Mitchell said he was proud to be named as winner of this award and was excited to meet the newest residents in the shire.
“I am delighted to be a winner of one of these awards,” he said.
“Congratulations to all the new citizens, and I am delighted again to be part of your lives.”
Also the recipient of the Lang Lang Community Service Award, it was an exciting day for Lang Lang resident Lynette Joy Wealands, who also received the Community Service Award.
She said she was well and truly honoured to be presented with this and had always enjoyed being part of the community.
“I have made some lifelong friends, and I encourage everybody to volunteer,” she said.
“Whatever your passion is, it’s a wonderful thing.”
Now in its 30th year, ECHO Youth and Family Services was recognised for its community involvement when it was presented with the Cardinia Shire Community Organisation of the Year award. Representative for the group Wayne Collins said he would like to see more people care for others in the world beyond their immediate family.
