Aussie spirit shines

By Bridget Cook
THE Cardinia Cultural Centre was a hive of ‘Aussie spirit’ on Tuesday as residents gathered to join in Australia Day celebrations.
The biggest event for the shire, the day included an official ceremony where Cardinia’s Australia Day Awards were presented followed by plenty of free entertainment including a sausage sizzle, face painting, giveaways and an animal farm.
It was standing room only for the ceremony which began with the official flag ceremony by the Cardinia Scouts and Guides, while Angelie O’Brien sang a rendition of ‘I am Australian’.
The awards ceremony followed, where the 32 nominations were recognised and the winners of each category were announced.
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, Mr Hamilton said it was a great honour to have received the accolade.
“I am very proud to stand up here,” he 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.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Legge presented the winners 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.”
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.
They each received official certificates and gifts of native trees as tokens of their decision to take out citizenship.
Australia Day Ambassador Simon McKeon addressed the crowd and asked them what it meant to be Australian.
“For me it’s the concept of mateship,” Mr McKeon said.
“In a country like Australia everyone deserves mates. Mateship, respect and lending a hand extends to everyone.
“I hope we can all take couple of minutes today to dream about what it means to be Australian and how each of us can make it a better place.”