By Shelby Brooks
Cardinia’s best and brightest citizens have been honoured in Australia Day ceremonies, both online and in person, this year.
The 2022 cohort of award winners include Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients Carmel McKenna of Beaconsfield, the late Margaret Hall of Emerald, Pakenham’s Clive Stebbins and Drouin’s Lorraine Kinrade, with Xinhua Wu of Lysterfield who was bestowed the Member of the Order (AM).
Mr Stebbins, 89, was driven to inspire others, particularly youth over a span of 60 years. This included 36 years with Youth for Christ, including leading the Australian and South Pacific branches.
He also led the charity International Needs Australia, travelling to about 40 countries. He worked with underprivileged children in Sri Lanka for 15 years.
Lang Lang’s Gavan Keane was honoured with an Ambulance Service Medal while Drouin’s Graeme Higgs received a Fire Service Medal.
More locally, Cardinia Shire Council couldn’t decided between two worthy Citizens of the Year, awarding both Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning and Cockatoo RSL volunteer Carol Thompson.
Mayor Jeff Springfield said this year’s winners were once again chosen from a strong field of nominees.
“Both Philip and Carol have contributed so much to the local community, and both deserve to be recognised,” Mayor Springfield said.
As president of the Pakenham Cricket Club, Philip ensures the club fosters an inclusive competition to enable families to participate and to create a positive environment. He has tirelessly fundraised for the McGrath Foundation, with the club’s annual Pink Ladies Day luncheon raising more than $30,000 for the charity.
Phil is a strong supporter of local businesses and encourages others to do the same. He is described as an icon in Pakenham with friends far and wide who deserves to be recognised for the inspiring man he is.
Joint Citizen of the Year Carol Thompson was honoured for her long history of volunteering and has dedicated many hours to the Cockatoo RSL. She joined the committee as secretary and treasurer in 2015 and has also been the bar and events manager, working tirelessly with committee members to increase patronage and turnover.
In addition to running the traditional Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events, Carol has been instrumental in establishing regular social events at the RSL, including the annual free Christmas Day lunch, pool and Uno competitions, trivia nights, karaoke and live music.
Due to her ongoing dedication and contributions, Carol was nominated RSL President of the Year.
Since she and her family moved to Cockatoo in 1998, Carol has also been involved in Cockatoo Community Creche and Cockatoo Country Market and has supported young people in need.
Arshu Maskey who has been involved in the community in many ways, including hosting a Multicultural International Mother’s Language Day event and, as a member of the Casey Cardinia Rotaract Club, raised funds for bushfire relief efforts and supported a fundraising barbecue for the club, was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year by the shire.
Ian Wake, an active Rotarian for 50 years who has held a range of club leadership positions and is the first to lend a helping hand for their community projects, barbecues and working bees, was named Senior Citizen of the Year.
The Cockatoo Country Market was recognised as the 2022 Community Event of the Year.
