Published on Monday, 29 January 2024 at 3:07:15 PM
Australia Day celebrations in Plantagenet saw about 300 people meet at Frost Park in Mount Barker for breakfast, followed by official award presentations and a citizenship ceremony.
Shire of Plantagenet President Len Handasyde presented the Community Citizen of the Year awards and thanked the winners for their work.
“We celebrate our volunteers who tirelessly give of themselves each year,” Cr Handasyde said.
“They give many thousands of hours of time that enable us to have so many of the services we enjoy.
“Without our volunteers many of these services would simply not be possible in communities like this one.”
Paul Anning was named Community Citizen of the Year for his long commitment to mental health awareness. Since 2018, Paul has raised almost $60,000 for charity services.
Senior Citizen of the Year Award went to Anne Forbes and Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ethan Aylmore.
Rotary’s Vocational Service Award went to Senior Constable Alan Somerville and Sofia Ebert picked up the Youth Award.
Commissioner Darren Klemm, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), presented 31 medallions and medals to volunteers in Kendenup, Perillup and Narpyn Bush Fire Brigades.
Perillup’s Mossie Trotter received a long service medal for 60 years and National Medals were presented to five members of Kendenup Bush Fire Brigade for “going above and beyond to help serve and protect their community”.
These medal recipients were Stephen Beech, Roderick Stan-Bishop, Phillip Webb, Kenneth Frost and David Burcham.
Awards were also given to people five years all more with SES and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS), with Rebecca Barnes being recognised for 30 years service with Mount Barker VFRS.
A citizenship ceremony wrapped up the event, with eight new Australian citizens welcomed.
“Australia Day celebrates who we are as a nation,” Cr Handasyde said.
“From first nations people, those who were here first, to those who are descendants of the first European settlers, to those who have only been here for one or two generations, to those who are recent arrivals, to those who seek citizenship today.”
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