By Bridget Cook
Australia Day celebrations in Pakenham. 41848
Kim Cartmell
MORE than 800 people flocked to the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Tuesday for the shire’s biggest Australia Day event.
The celebration kicked off with a ceremony where Cardinia’s Australia Day Awards were presented, and ended with an array of free entertainment including a sausage sizzle, face painting, giveaways and an animal farm. It was standing room only for the ceremony where Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Legge announced the winners of each category and presented them with their awards.
“As volunteers they help make Cardinia Shire a great place to live and work,” Cr Legge said.
“We thank them for their efforts on behalf of the community and congratulate them on their nomination.”
Lang Lang’s Douglas Hamilton was recognised for his tireless community and volunteer work when he was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year. When he accepted his award. “I am very proud to stand up here,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Quite frankly, you get involved with organisations and you go because there is a need … you don’t think about what the award might be.”
Active member of the Emerald community John Dudley was named Senior Citizen of the Year, while Christine Young from Officer was chosen as the Young Citizen of the Year. The 2010 Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Yakkerboo Festival Art Show and Labertouche resident Lyn Treble received the Community Service Award.
The Australia Day celebrations in Pakenham also included a citizenship ceremony for 35 Cardinia Shire residents.
The new citizens were welcomed from all over the world including Canada, Mauritius, Thailand, Egypt and Bangladesh. Australia Day Ambassador Simon McKeon addressed the crowd and asked the crowd what it meant to be Australian.
“For me it’s the concept of mateship,” Mr McKeon said.
