By Alana Mitchelson
Bunyip’s Roman Kulkewycz was humbled to be named Bunyip Citizen of the Year during Australia Day festivities.
“I went to the ceremony to take some photos for the local newsletter. I did not go there to win awards,” he said of his surprise achievement.
“I’m still coming to terms with it. I believe there are more worthy people in the district who should have received the awards before me.
“It’s humbling to accept it. Thank you everyone for your support.
“It is an embarrassment and a great honour.”
Mr Kulkewycz has lived in Bunyip for the past 13 years but many might mistake him for having lived there his whole life as he has grown to know most of the town.
Since the move he has worked at Hillview Bunyip Age Care and is the longest serving male staff member.
He is secretary of the Bunyip and District newsletter and was a founding member of both the Bunyip Market and Bunyip and District Soccer Club.
“I’ve always tried to be active in the community if I can,” Mr Kulkewycz said.
“Tony Arrigo had a burning desire to create a soccer club in the area and he recruited a few people including myself to help start it.
“We wanted to provide an alternative for the youth. And so it became the Bunyip Junior Soccer Club and grew from there.
“This year is the first year they’ve entered the state league. I’m very proud of the club and it continues to grow.”
Mr Kulkewycz said that what he loved most about the Bunyip community was that it still maintained its original feel.
“Bunyip is growing. There are a lot of new housing developments going up but at the moment it still retains its country charm,” he said.
“The Bunyip community is like a home away from home – it’s full of just such lovely people.”
Mr Kulkewycz said the highlight of his time in Bunyip was receiving a Rotary award at Government House for saving people from a building fire.
In the early hours of the morning in June 2012, what was believed to be an electrical fault caused a fire in one of the Hillview Bunyip Aged Care wings.
Mr Kulkewycz helped save seven residents and was later treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
