Tatura has marked Australia Day with a massive celebration.
On Sunday, January 26, over 300 people packed into Victory Hall in Tatura for a morning of celebration and reflection.
The day started with a BBQ breakfast hosted by the Tatura Lions Club, with many braving the early morning start to enjoy a sausage or bacon and egg roll.
At 9.30am, the ceremony was opened by councillor for the Midland ward Rod Schubert who addressed the crowd and thanked the community for being there to celebrate the day.
The biggest award of the day went to Alex Carter, who was the recipient of the Citizen of the Year.
Mr Carter was recognised for his work as a member of the Tatura Fire Brigade, as well as being a founding member of the Tatura Men’s Shed.
His work, particularly in the kitchen area, is where he shined, where he has cooked thousands of meals over the last 13 years both for members and the wider community.
“I’m very humbled, it was a big surprise to me when I was approached,” Mr Carter said.
“I thought there were other people who deserved it better than me, but I’m very grateful.”
Vince Vincitorio was awarded the Senior Citizen of the Year for his lifelong achievements and involvement with the Tatura community.
He was recognised for his work as an interpreter for the Italian community, his 10 years of service at the Tatura Fire Brigade and 10 years as a member of Tatura RSL, among other achievements.
Mr Vincitorio said he couldn’t have done it all without his wife.
There were two winners for the Community Event of the Year, with Glen Newton winning for his fundraising efforts for Black Dog Institute, and Rhonda Eberle and Natasha Doherty winning for their annual Merrigum Halloween display.
The Senior Sports Award was won by Alex Ranson, whose love of football and cricket earned the Cooma Recreation Reserve to be named the Alex Ranson Pavilion in his honour.
Liam Scopelliti received the Sports Award, for his work coaching the reserves' football team at the Tatura Football Netball Club.
Mr Scopelliti is a police officer and was working at the time of the ceremony, so his father Frank Scopelliti accepted the award on his behalf.
The final award of the day went to Gerry McCarthy, who took home the Junior Sports Award.
Gerry was recognised for his excellence and leadership as captain of the under-16 football team for the Tatura Football Netball Club.
In attendance were City of Greater Shepparton mayor Shane Sali, deputy mayor Anthony Brophy, Cr Schubert, Cr Kieron Eddy, State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell who all presented the awards.
Cr Schubert, president of the Tatura Australia Day committee called the day a huge success.