By BRIDGET SCOTT
A LANG Lang legend described as a ‘true asset’ modestly accepted the annual Stan Henwood Award at a community grants night in Pakenham last week. Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore said he felt privileged to present the award to Colin Leeson, the man who was the first to welcome him into Lang Lang and who still, “always had a shovel in his hand.”
The Lang Lang resident of more than 60 years graciously accepted the award but kept his talk short.
“Someone once told me, to make a good speech you should bring the beginning and the end as close together as possible,” Mr Leeson said.
Mr Leeson’s achievements stretch far beyond many others, having been heavily involved in many facets of the community including Lang Lang’s Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association, as well as the town’s medical centre board, township committee and pony club.
He is also a life member of the football club and has kept the town’s show grounds for more than 35 years.
Members of the late Stan Henwood were there for the presentation, including wife Bev, daughter Denise Davidson and great-grand-son Hayden Katta. Ms Davidson spoke on behalf of the family and thanked council for dedicating this award, now in its 10th year, to her father.
“This award highlights the amount of work required on a continual basis,” she said.
“I hope the person who gets this gets as much satisfaction out of working as dad did.”
Cr Moore said Mr Leeson was a great role model for the community of Lang Lang.
“He has committed himself for around 50 years to making the town a great place to live by working tirelessly as a volunteer in the close-knit community and he continues to do all he can to make the township the best it can be,” he said.
The presentation was made at the shire’s annual grants presentation dinner last Tuesday 22 July.
Community Strengthening officer from the council Natasha Spicer, better known by community groups as the ‘grants lady’ hosted the night.
She announced that there would be 40 capital works grants projects announced as part of the Community Capital Works and Major Equipment Grants program.
These grants are aimed at helping community groups with upgrades and allowing them to improve.
Heidi Kilpatrick from Lang Lang Kindergarten as well as Noel Ling from the Upper Beaconsfield Men’s Shed appeared as guest speakers to tell the audience about their journey to getting a grant and the processes afterwards.
Cr Moore said he looked forward to the occasion to celebrate a group of community minded people and said these grants acknowledged the hard work of many people in the room.
He said other shires were “green with envy” over the outstanding facilities in the Cardinia Shire and embraced the chance to “celebrate local individuals.”
Community groups from all three wards in the shire received grants which will assist them in updating and improving their facilities.
