Council congratulates the Senior Citizen of the Year nominees for the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2020.
The Golden Plains Shire Council (GPSC) Community Awards 2020 are an opportunity to formally acknowledge extraordinary individuals and community groups who make an outstanding contribution to Golden Plains Shire.
This year, an impressive field of local residents and community groups have been nominated by their fellow community members for awards in four categories: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Impact Award.
Congratulations to the five nominees for the GPSC Senior Citizen of the Year 2020:
June Amor
June Amor of Bannockburn was nominated for her efforts and display of community spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the start of restrictions, June took it upon herself to ensure her more elderly neighbours were doing well and were supported. She undertook daily welfare checks and tasks around their homes, including taking in bins, checking the mail, and watering the gardens. June also provided social connection through chats from the veranda to ensure people were not socially isolated and remained connected. Through her selfless actions, June significantly contributed to a sense of community and togetherness during the isolating times. Congratulations June!
Damian Baker
Damian Baker is a volunteer at the Public Open Space to the north of the Leigh River in Inverleigh. He has mowed and looked after the area for nearly 22 years, coordinating tree planting days, keeping an eye on furniture and the Federation Bridge, and organising contractors to manage the weeds and other hazards. Damien was involved in the plans to redevelop the space from the beginning as a recreation space for locals and visitors. Damian has also taken on mowing the local cemetery and helps with general maintenance and beautification. Congratulations Damian!
Rod Draper
Rod Draper of Bannockburn was nominated for his tireless volunteer work. Rod has contributed to the Golden Plains Shire community through his work as a as an Active Ageing & Inclusion Services Volunteer with Council over the last five years. Rod helps with various services including weekly transport to social support programs and outings, assisting with the delivered meals service, and transporting consumers to medical appointments. He recently undertook a one-day Digital Mentor Training program, so he is be able to assist community members to stay connected and participate in online social activities. Rod also acts as a mentor and provides guidance to new and existing volunteers. Congratulations Rod!
Dorothy Helyar
Dorothy Helyar of Bannockburn was nominated for her participation and heartfelt contribution to an important intergenerational initiative conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Council partnered with local schools across the Shire to create a Pen Pal project between the students and community members to provide an intergenerational social connection during isolation. Dorothy took part in the Pen Pal project and responded to the students. Her community-minded commitment and understanding of the importance of reaching out and finding ground with fellow community residents regardless of age was displayed through the genuine and insightful way she wrote. Congratulations Dorothy!
Val Robertson
Val Robertson of Inverleigh has volunteered with various local organisations for many years. This has included: Treasurer of the Inverleigh Bowls Club for 27 years from 1987 to 2014; Treasurer of the Inverleigh Ladies Bowls Club for 13 years from 1998 to 2013; Treasurer of the Inverleigh Senior Citizens Club for 13 years from 2007 to 2020; and she is a life member of the Inverleigh Bowls Club. Val has also been involved as Treasurer at Inverleigh Presbyterian Church, as well as their organist for many years, a role she continues in. Outside of her more official volunteer roles, Val is a founding member of a local craft group, knitted countless blankets for charity, makes Trauma Teddies and baked goods for local craft stalls. Val is also an encouraging leader in a local seniors weekly walking group. Congratulations Val!
The GPSC Community Awards 2020 nominees will be recognised, and the award-winners will be named, at Council’s Australia Day event on Tuesday 26 January, along with the Citizenship Ceremony. Due to COVID guidelines, event attendance is limited and by invitation, however the event will be livestreamed on Council’s YouTube channel. A link will be provided the day prior to the event at Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au.
For more information on the GPSC Community Awards 2020 nominees, click here.