Surf Coast Times & Bellarine Times

Open Day at Banyul-Warri Fields
This Saturday, we look forward to opening the new Surf Coast Community and Civic Precinct Banyul-Warri Fields.

The precinct delivers a new standard of facilities not previously seen on the Surf Coast, which is exciting for residents, sporting clubs and local community groups. As Council, we particularly look forward to these facilities being used to their full potential over many years.

The Open Day, commencing at 10am on Saturday 4 February, will feature an array of sporting clinics, demonstrations, activities to join in or watch, an art exhibition, tours of the new council chambers, a special edition of the ever-popular Cowrie Market and much more. A timetable is available in today’s Surf Coast Times or check council’s website for more.

Celebrating Australia Day
It was a privilege to participate in my first Australia Day celebrations in Anglesea and Torquay as mayor last week. The presenting of Australia Day awards each year for the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year are important times in the lives of many people, as is the traditional Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.

I was particularly pleased to confer citizenship to 15 new citizens as part of the ceremony. This citizenship ceremony was particularly moving, especially because of the rigorous process and the effort new Australian citizens go through to attain citizenship.

Australia Day each year is an important opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of many who have built this country – from our rich indigenous history to the early pioneers and the many who have come to this region and made important contributions.

We are a country that has long punched above its weight on the world stage in sport, the arts, technology and in putting forward important causes. While we face challenges, there is much to be proud of and to build upon.

I thank the Anglesea and Torquay Lions’ Club for their continued efforts in organising Australia Day celebrations on the Surf Coast, and I also thank our Australia Day Ambassador, Jane Edmanson for her efforts and her gardening advice.

Twice the effort from Citizens of the Year
Anglesea residents Annette and Bob Dwyer were named the Surf Coast Citizens of the Year, in recognition of their significant community service and volunteer work with local organisations.

Hearing of their contributions with organisations ranging from Surf Coast Probus, Anglesea Men’s Shed, Anglesea Visitor Information, Anglesea Bowls Club and many others, was inspiring. As volunteers, they have generously shared their time and skills with the Surf Coast community.

Young citizen’s wave of achievement
At the Taylor Park ceremony, Steven Russell was presented with the Surf Coast’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for his impressive work with organisations including the Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club, Surf Coast Football Club and the Coastal Productions Freeza Committee.

As a secondary student, Steven has also run Nipper programs, coached Surf Coast Football Club’s under 13 girls and won the 2011 Junior Volunteer Award at Surf Coast Football Club for his work. He also coordinates small-side games during half-time breaks at Melbourne Heart home matches in the A-League.

Steven can be very proud of his achievements and the experience he gains from his volunteering work.

Community event
The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour at Anglesea took out a gong of its own as it was recognised as the Community Event of the Year. The event held in October last year brought the $175,000 Melbourne Cup trophy, as well as Geelong’s 2011 AFL Premiership, to the Surf Coast.

Along with the popular Riverbank Farmer’s Market, Alcoa Anglesea Head of the River hosted lunch at the bowls club and a celebration dinner at the Anglesea golf club.

With proceeds from the event going to the Anglesea Skate Park Committee, the event will also leave a long-running positive legacy in the town. I congratulate the Anglesea Lions Club and all involved in the event.

An important opportunity for recognition
Over the next 12 months, I invite you to consider people and events that are particularly worthy of commendation for the Surf Coast’s Australia Day Awards. Nominations are called for each year during spring.

Regards,
Brian

Cr Brian McKiterick
Mayor, Surf Coast Shire