‘Astounded’: Michael D’Elia named Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year

By Anna McGuinness

Jan 26, 2023

Honour: Shepparton Search and Rescue vice-president Michael D’Elia was named Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year on Australia Day. Photo: Megan Fisher. Photo by Megan Fisher

In any crisis, a community turns to its leaders for strength and guidance.

Those on the front lines during the recent Greater Shepparton floods didn’t have to turn far to see the reassuring face of Shepparton Search and Rescue vice-president Michael D’Elia.

The long serving volunteer’s tireless work year-round — but especially in October 2022 — saw him named Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year and Shepparton Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.

In announcing the award, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said he saw firsthand through the floods the amount of work Mr D’Elia put into the community.

Victorian Road Crash Rescue Air Support team: Pilot Peter Row, Seymour SES section leader Norm Duell, Werribee CFA Lieutenant Neil Davie, Shepparton Search and Rescue Commander Michael D'Elia and Kestrel Air Crew member Peter O'Brien, pictured in 2022.

Mr D’Elia said while he was a figurehead, the award was true recognition of the hard work by all volunteers from different organisations during the floods.

“For me the award is for every volunteer but especially the volunteers at Shepparton Search and Rescue and those down at the RSL who volunteer to help veterans — they’re my two passions,” he said.

“It’s astounding the amount of work our volunteers do in our community, from Lions to Rotary to FoodShare to Shepparton Search and Rescue, SES, CFA; the list just continues.

“To be standing up here as a leader and being recognised in this way is really humbling.”

On the ground: Michael D'Elia directing drivers collecting sandbags in Kialla days before the floods hit Shepparton. Photo by Holly Daniel

Mr D’Elia was president of the squad for seven years and was awarded an Emergency Services Medal as part of the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

However, the award also recognised his contribution through the Veterans Fruit Bowl — a Facebook page for Goulburn Valley veterans and their immediate support networks to connect and be supported.

“I did my apprenticeship in the army when I was a young lad and I’m very proud of my service to the country,” Mr D’Elia said.

“I have struggled myself as a veteran so it’s partly motivated by making more connections for myself to be well, and also by the fact I recognise veterans need different options to be able to turn to people and be supported.”

Acknowledgement: Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year Michael D’Elia with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mr D’Elia acknowledged his daughters Stephanie and Jessica, and wife Donna, ahead of their 30-year wedding anniversary this year.

“Donna helps me to get out the door at two o’clock in the morning and she’s there when I need to have a yarn about stuff,” he said.

“She’s the quiet achiever of our family and gives me the ability and strength to be out there in the community every day.”

Grateful: Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year Michael D’Elia accepts the award at Shepparton’s Australia Day event. Photo by Megan Fisher

He also recognised his “other family”, the Shepparton Search and Rescue members, after a particularly busy 12 months.

“We’ve been working pretty hard and I acknowledge those guys and I’m proud to be standing beside them at the front line doing the things we do,” he said.

Accepting the award, Mr D’Elia said he was a bit lost for words.

“To win the Shepparton Citizen of the Year was a privilege in itself, there’s so many other deserving people, but to take out the Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year — honestly, I was astounded.”