The town of Lang Lang has a strong community despite its small size, and that fact is always on display during its Australia Day celebrations.
Lang Lang gathers at the Memorial Hall each year to honour its many citizens, from aspiring students to wise seniors.
Cardinia Scout leader Courtney Baker hosted the event, inviting many locals to introduce the winners of the various awards.
Citizen of the Year went to Barbara Bullen, who has a lengthy list of contributions to Lang Lang.
The award acknowledged her decades of work with the Lang Lang Scout Group, the community centre, the primary school council, the community bank and much more.
Junior Citizen of the Year went to Charlie Gourley for starting his own charity, Reindeer Food Fundraising, at just five years old. He has passionately supported those in need each Christmas for the past five years, totalling $6,000 raised and counting.
Senior Citizen of the Year went to the duo Bev and Nev Kitchin for their ongoing support of local sport and social events for seniors, from the tennis club to the Lang Lang Bowls Club, where Nev is president.
The Special Community Service Award went to the Lang Lang Cemetery Trust for its ongoing commitment to maintaining the grounds and ensuring the resting place is welcoming to families and visitors.
The Lang Lang District Business and Community Group Business of the Year Award went to Larmax Agribarn on Station Street for its outstanding service to the community.
The Lang Lang Cubs and Scout Group won Event of the Year for their annual Christmas tree sale.
The individual Community Service Awards went to Allison Kruizinga and Sam Loughridge.
Special thanks went to the presenters, Brian Candy for performing, and the Lang Lang Men’s Shed for running the sausage sizzle.
