By DANIELLE GALVIN
PETER ‘Crackers’ Keenan told the crowd at the Kooweerup Australia Day ceremony that Australia is the greatest place to live.
The former AFL footballer, media commentator and funny man was the Australia Day ambassador at the ceremony and handed out awards to 12 local children from Bayles Primary School, Cardinia Primary School, Kooweerup Primary School, St John’s and Cardinia Primary School as well as two students from Kooweerup Secondary College.
“Get to know your community,” he said.
“I know things are getting a bit dear, but this is the greatest place you’ll ever live.”
Peter Bottomley from the college said it was a time to reflect on how “lucky we all are” and that the focus of the morning would be on the togetherness of the community.
“This is a special day in our calendar,” he said.
He said he saw a resident out on the street in the early hours of the morning picking up rubbish – a good indication of the sense of community.
Local poet Mal Function read out a poem at the event.
“This happens to be my 10th Australia Day here,” he said.
“Ten years goes very quickly.”
Three awards were given out to outstanding members of the Kooweerup community including Joyce Mills, Kylie Lansdown and George Fittock.
Mrs Mills has been involved in Girl Guides, the hospital and Kooweerup Football Club.
“I believe there should be a group award for the Ladies Auxiliary for all that they do,” she said.
Ms Lansdown was at a CFA competition in Maffra on the day, but was said to be stoked with the award.
She has been involved in a number of groups including the CFA auxiliary and netball club.
Mr Fittock said the men’s shed was an important part of the community and he was honoured to be involved.
Kooweerup Township Committee president Gavin Brock thanked the people behind the breakfast and Woolworths for their support.
For more on the Australia Day awards at Kooweerup, see page 28.
