The Golden Plains Shire 2019 Australia Day Award for Citizen of the Year recognises an individual who has contributed greatly to the community in the previous year, taking into consideration their ongoing achievements, voluntary work and sacrifice for the benefit of others.
This year’s nominees are:
Troy Broom, Lethbridge — Troy single-handedly organised a free Come and Try Fishing Day from concept to the day of the big event, to get families and children outdoors and interested in a new hobby. More than 150 budding anglers attended the event in Lethbridge in September, 2018.
Kevin Collister, Batesford — Kevin, affectionately known as the Batesford Ninja, has put his heart and soul into protecting his community from crime. He’s helped create a neighbourhood safety app and educated locals on how to use it, and organised self-defence classes.
Brett Cunningham, Bannockburn — Brett is the Chairman of the Bannockburn & District Connected Communities and volunteers his time to help community groups secure funding. He is also the founder of Bannockburn Neighbourhood Watch.
Una Miller, Inverleigh — Una is described as a diamond of the Inverleigh community. She is the immediate past president of the town’s CWA and Seniors branches and current member of the Progress Association, Presbyterian Church and walking group.
Anne-Maree Tarbett, Inverleigh — Anne-Maree has been the booking secretary for the Inverleigh Mechanics Institute and Public Hall for 22 years. She is also the hall committee’s treasurer and volunteer cleaner. She’s involved with the local kindergarten, cricket club, parents’ association, safety house, tennis club and cemetery trust.
Anthony Vanjek, Bannockburn — Anthony is the founder of the Golden Plains Soccer Club and dedicates his time in creating safe and inclusive environments for young people to play sport. He coaches, processes registrations, maintains facilities and campaigns for upgrades. He also helped host the pop-up cinema community event.
Anthony Walker, Linton — Anthony, better known as Tony, is the Officer in Charge of Linton Police Station. He is extremely invested in the community, with involvement in the primary school, CFA, sporting clubs and much more. Tony is described as the local go-to person and, on his days off, mows the lawns of elderly residents and conducts welfare checks.
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey will announce the Golden Plains Shire 2019 Australia Day Awards winners at a special presentation at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Tuesday 22 January 2019, prior to the first Council meeting of the year.