FOOTSCRAY resident Wal Hopkins’ journey to become City of Maribyrnong’s 2008 Citizen of the Year was paved with sausages and smiles.
Mr Hopkins couldn’t say how many sausages sizzles he had cooked for charities or how many committees he’d served on – he’s lost count. But it was this unflagging commitment to the community that earned him the 2008 award.
Mr Hopkins was one of 13 people to receive awards for their service to the community during the Australia Day ceremony in Footscray on Saturday.
He was initially lost for words when he was presented with the award but managed to find a few to entertain the audience.
“It comes as a complete surprise – to think an old feller can compete against all of these young people is amazing,” he said. “I’m just speechless, and that’s something for me.”
Mr Hopkins has been involved in community service for more than 70 years – 30 of which as a football player and later an umpire to provide support to local children.
City of Maribyrnong mayor Michelle MacDonald said a great deal of Mr Hopkins’ volunteer work was undertaken through his role with the Scouts.
“There is little doubt this gentleman fits the profile of someone that makes a difference to the community and consistently puts others before himself,” she said.
“Whenever we need a sausage sizzle, all we have to do is ring him and he rounds up his troops to come and serve sausages to the community, not charging anything to compensate for his and his team’s time – they do it all for the betterment of the community.”
The awards ceremony also paid tribute to the 2008 Young Citizen of the Year Abraham Adet for his contribution to the community through theatre and music.
Cr MacDonald said Mr Adet arrived in Australia in 2004 and had since shown the ability to shine in the face of adversity.
“He is a remarkable young person who has made a significant contribution to the world by consistently maintaining a positive outlook, no matter what life throws at him,” she said.
“This positivity is infectious, he has provided endless hours of voluntary community support, particularly with the Sudanese community in Maribyrnong.”
Community Services Volunteer of the Year Marita Warwick and Emerging Community Leader Award to Rubyah Haoucher were also acknowledged for their roles in the community.
Cr MacDonald said it was an inspiring and emotional day.
“Every Australia Day, I am strongly reminded of what it means to me to be part of such a connected, thriving community,” she said.
The awards were presented during the Australia Day civic reception, which followed the citizenship ceremony for 60 of the municipality’s newest Australians.
Other residents to receive awards included:
Community Services Volunteer of the Year to special commendation Leonard Goninon for his tireless dedication to founding the Braybrook Residents Committee for Safety community group;
Community Services Volunteer of the Year special commendation to Peter Milne for his contribution as president of the Hyde Street Youth Band;
Mayoral award to Tina Vrettakos for her dedication and leadership as a role model for young women in sports;
Mayoral award to Ethnic Chinese Happy Age Association of Victoria for their contribution to the older ethnic Chinese community;
Community Group winner to Footscray Skyline Toastmasters Club for years of fostering and enhancing the communication and leadership skills of community members;
Community Group special commendation to Connector Bugs for creating projects based on sustainability;
Young Citizen of the Year special commendation to Alexandra Athanasiadis for her role in helping to encourage young women to express themselves through performance;
Young Citizen of the Year special commendation to Henry Lieu for his energetic and committed work to the West Footscray Neighbourhood House; and
Emerging Community Leader of the Year to Sally Peck for passion for youth issues and involvement in the community.
