The Mitchell Shire welcomed 41 new Australian citizens and announced five awards in an Australia Day ceremony in Seymour on Thursday, January 26.
The council’s annual Australia Day event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Seymour at Chittick Park with the crowd also entertained by face painting, a classic car show, music and a range of stalls.
Among the new citizens were the Bhootoo family, from Mauritius, including mum Michaella, dad Neeteen and children Rohan, Eloise and Ariel.
Mrs Bhootoo said taking the pledge on Australia Day was a big relief after a long process.
“Yes, it was a long way after 17 years. I'm feeling very emotional,” she said.
“It's a beautiful country, and I think of the future of my kids.
“When you want something you can achieve here because you achieve something for who you are.”
The citizen of the year was paramedic and Pyalong resident Brian Moffat, who saved a neighbour’s life while off duty and then set about raising money for a defibrillator in the town and organising residents to be trained in its use.
Young citizen of the year was 13-year-old Ethan Liddy, who raises money for Buy a Bale, a charity that assists battling farmers.
The access and inclusion champion was the Mitchell Suicide Prevention Network, which produced a book on mental health and included contributions from 12 local co-authors who shared their personal stories of hardship and struggle with mental health.
Broadford Secondary College’s 60th reunion was recognised with the community event of the year and Seymour Football Netball Club the community group of the year for responding quickly to Seymour’s devastating floods last October and providing initial flood recovery efforts.
Cathy Coppinger is an assistant principal at Broadford Secondary College, has been a teacher at the school since 1988 and said teachers and students would welcome having the award to go on display as the new school year gets under way.
“It's a thrill. It's a real honour,” she said.
“It's a lovely acknowledgement of the work of the small committee, but it's also a lovely acknowledgement of the significance of the school in the community because schools are such an important part of a community and they really are a hub in all the local towns.
“It’s first day back (after holidays) tomorrow, so it's just lovely that I can take this back to school.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said the awards recognised the positive difference the recipients of them make to their communities.
“This year’s awards capture the amazing variety of selfless people we have in our shire,” she said.
“It’s an important day to recognise these people and remember how lucky we are to have them and how different our community would be without them.”
Cr Stevens said the shire community had turned out in big numbers for the event.
“Absolutely tremendous turnout. Very, very proud of the community for turning out today,” she said.
“I just think it's a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together. Respect deeds past that’s brought us here and move forward together.
Unlike some other Victorian councils, Cr Stevens said Mitchell Shire was not entertaining a discussion of whether January 26 is appropriate or not for Australia Day celebrations.
“That hasn't come before us,” Cr Stevens said.
“That’s a discussion that council will have when the time is appropriate.
“This is the day that we celebrate at this stage and so we will abide by what we're asked to do.”
When asked if she would think about raising the issue herself, Cr Stevens replied, “No”.
Councillor awards were presented to Mitchell Community Energy, which strives to develop greater awareness of climate change, Seymour Visitor Information Centre volunteers and Anthony Ryan, a long-term volunteer in the Pyalong, Mia Mia and Heathcote areas.