Council extends its congratulations to the winners and nominees of the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2023.
The Golden Plains Shire Council (GPSC) Community Awards 2023 were presented at an event held at Haddon Community Learning Centre on Tuesday 23 January, where all award nominees were recognised and this year’s winners announced.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year 2023 is Caitlin Cadby of Cape Clear.
While completing VCE in 2023, Caitlin was a vital member of the Young Women’s Leadership Program and Youth Activation Committee. Caitlin engaged with the guest speakers throughout the Young Women’s Leadership Program and at the end of the program delivered an awe-inspiring speech on women in sport. After a busy school day, Caitlin regularly attends meetings either online or in person for her commitments.
Council would also like to recognise Young Citizen of the Year 2023 nominee Paxton Turner of Batesford.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Senior Citizen of the Year 2023 is Rosslyn Bosnar of Bannockburn.
Rosslyn is a long standing and active member of the Golden Plains Arts Inc and has been instrumental in assisting in the coordination of artists, venues and other logistics for the Golden Plains Arts Trail in Bannockburn. She organises and runs the Bannockburn and District Art Group and annual Art Exhibition, sharing her knowledgeable arts practice and providing a safe space that assists in reducing social isolation and contributing to positive health and wellbeing outcomes for her community.
Council would also like to recognise Senior Citizen of the Year 2023 nominee Janet Pathe of Linton.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Community Impact Award 2023 was presented to Maddy McColl of the Meredith Tennis Club.
Maddy started the Meredith Tennis Club up again after no one had operated the club for 10 years. Meredith had no junior sport for kids but over the past five years the club now has nine junior teams and up to 50 kids in free coaching sessions and multiple weekly competitions. At the most recent presentation night, almost 200 people attended. The revitalisation of the club, led by Maddy, has been an amazing success story for the town.
Council would also like to recognise Community Impact Award 2023 nominees; Lethbridge and Bannockburn Scout Group, Ross Creek Landcare Group, Inverleigh Playgroup, Native Hut Branch of Country Women’s Association, Bannockburn Bush Parkrun and Bannockburn Golf Club.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Citizen of the Year 2023 is Lin Hocking-Turnbull of Smythesdale.
Lin is always volunteering for the community and organises events to bring the community together. Alongside her husband Graham, they bounce off each other and are always doing something for the community. Lin is a Community Coordinator and a member of the Historical Society. With any community group, Lin is always working to help bring the community together.
The Citizen of the Year 2023 nominees were John Ten Hoopen, Robert Hill, Graham Turnbull, Mandy Humpage and Julie Buyel.
Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said all the winners and nominees of this year’s GPSC Community Awards showcased the amazing attributes of people who call Golden Plains Shire home.
On behalf of Council and the community, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the winners and nominees for this year’s awards and everything you do to help make Golden Plains a wonderful place to live,” Cr Cunningham said.
Thanks also to those community members who put time into submitting the fantastic nominations for this year’s awards, and to everyone who joined us to celebrate the Community Awards event.”
The annual GPSC Community Awards aims to encourage and acknowledge the valuable contributions and outstanding achievements made by individuals and groups in Golden Plains Shire.
For more information on the GPSC Community Awards, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au