Honouring the region’s most exceptional individuals and organisations for their selfless contributions to the community, the 2024 Shepparton Citizenship Award winners were announced on Thursday, January 25.
Held at Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton, this year’s awards saw John Anderson announced as Shepparton’s Citizen of the Year, Dr Peter Leffler awarded Shepparton’s Senior Citizen of the Year, and Jack Edwards distinguished as Shepparton’s Junior Sports Award winner.
The Community Event of the Year went to Shepparton Cycling Club for the Christmas Track Carnival Event.
Dr Peter Leffler
Spanning more than 55 years, Dr Peter Leffler’s outstanding career and dedication to Shepparton’s community was acknowledged with the Senior Citizen of the Year award.
Dr Leffler’s professional journey highlights a lifelong commitment to emergency care and general practice.
Having relocated to Mooroopna in 1973 and settling in Shepparton with his wife Denise in 1974, Dr Leffler has become an integral part of the community. His contributions extend beyond the medical realm, earning him a gold medal from the Queen for his remarkable 56 years of volunteering with St John’s.
Dr Leffler’s most recent feat saw him saving the life of a woman experiencing a heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
Expressing his surprise at the recognition, Dr Leffler chuckled, saying, “I didn’t know anything about receiving an award. I am staggered.”
Reflecting on his time in the Goulburn Valley, he described it as “great fun”, despite acknowledging the increasing challenges of being a GP.
Thanking his wife and family for their unwavering support over the years, his St John’s colleagues, and patients who stood by him for five decades, Dr Leffler emphasised the importance of CPR.
He stressed, “knowing how to do CPR is crucial; 75 per cent of CPR is done on immediate family members. Some of us get to do the other 25 per cent.
“CPR can be the difference between life and death; everyone in the area should consider doing the course.”
Dr Leffler’s call to spread CPR education echoes his commitment to the community, ultimately defining his remarkable career.
Shepparton Cycling Club
Shepparton Cycling Club pedalled its way to victory on Thursday night, winning the annual Community Event of the Year award for Shepparton. Its Christmas Track Carnival has become an iconic event on the region’s yearly event calendar, attracting cycling enthusiasts and seasoned cyclists.
Their recent Christmas 2023 edition had an impressive turnout of over 120 entries; bringing families together, the cycling event generates an economic boost for the region.
Shepparton Cycling Club, run by a dedicated team of volunteers, plays a vital role in fostering, facilitating and organising events like the Christmas Cycling Carnival. Their mission extends beyond the track, aiming to promote the sport, advocate for a healthy lifestyle, and nurture the athletes of tomorrow.
The club’s public relations officer, Nadine Edwards, expressed her surprise at the win.
“With the region having so many events running all the time, this is so unexpected.”
Mrs Edwards extended her gratitude to the volunteers, committee and sponsors, acknowledging their crucial role in the club’s success.
“This is awesome” she exclaimed.
In a region where football, netball, tennis and cricket dominate the sporting landscape, cycling stands as a minority sport, according to Mrs Edwards. She highlighted the hope that this award would serve as a catalyst in the future, enticing recreational cyclists to join their ranks and to share the joy of cycling.
Mrs Edwards suggested a simple yet communal gathering around a barbecue when asked about the club’s celebratory plans.
“It is a wonderful day!” Mrs Edwards concluded.