Mitchell Shire Council has given out its community awards at the Australia Day celebrations in Seymour. Photo: Rotary Club of Seymour Goulburn
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During the hot Australia Day celebrations in Seymour, the community welcomed new faces and celebrated familiar ones.
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This year, the Rotary Club of Seymour Goulburn was selected to host the annual Mitchell Shire Council event, following an expression of interest process.
Aside from market stalls, live music and barbecue breakfasts, the ceremony also involved the welcoming of the newest Australian citizens living in the shire, and the announcement of community award recipients.
Seven awards were handed out to community members and groups, including Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year and Community Group of the Year.
“This year’s awards recognise the many individuals who give so much to our community,” Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said.
“These outstanding people come from all walks of life, often contributing quietly and consistently to support and uplift those around them.
“Today is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant difference they make and to reflect on how much poorer our community would be without their commitment.”
Kenneth Hall (far right), pictured with Eastern Hill Cricket Club members Daniel O’Sullivan, Ollie Fulton and Iresh Doa, was awarded Citizen of the Year.
Seymour’s Kenneth Hall was announced as this year’s Citizen of the Year, after devoting about 40 hours a week for 14 years to preparing the Kings Park grounds for cricket, football, the Seymour Show, the Alternative Farming Expo and everything else in between.
While running his own transport business, he volunteered countless hours, often using his own equipment to support the work.
Since retiring, Mr Hall has helped develop new facilities, maintain playgrounds and gardens, build walking tracks, create a boardwalk over the lagoon, and support the construction of a volunteer-built pavilion — transforming Kings Park into the community showpiece it is today.
His knowledge of Kings Park is unmatched, and alongside a small team of volunteers, he continues to take pride in watching it flourish.
Sam Quigg and Max Chetcuti have both been named Young Citizen of the Year, after leading last year’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day service in Seymour.
Their efforts not only revived a cherished community service, but also captured national attention.
The Greatest Generation Foundation in the US was so moved by their involvement that both students, along with their mentor and four local veterans, have been invited on a 14-day journey to Vietnam.
Other awards handed out on the day include Community Event of the Year to the Kilmore Regional Busking Championships, Community Group of the Year to the 1st Broadford Scout Group, Sports Person of the Year to Helen Mahoney, Arts Person of the Year to Pauline Taylor, and Access and Inclusion Champion to Chloe Hall.
“As well as honouring our community champions, we also celebrate our newest citizens — people who have worked hard to reach this milestone,” Cr Dougall said.
“It’s a privilege to welcome them and share in their achievement.”
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