A CARING Cairnlea resident has been named as the worthy recipient of the Brimbank Citizen of the Year.
On Monday, Brimbank City Council announced the winners of the 2014 Brimbank Australia Day Awards at Overnewton Castle in Keilor.
Brigitte Baker has received the municipality’s top accolade after spending decades acting as a foster mother to children including those who have experienced grief and trauma.
With the assistance of her husband Robert, Mrs Baker has fostered more than 600 youngsters.
A council statement written in Mrs Baker’s honour said she had devoted the past 27 years to foster parenting.
“Although children may bring with them a range of behaviours as a result of their experience, she remains loving, caring, kind and respectful to all children that she works with,” the document said.
The council program also described Mrs Baker as “a highly valued member” of the University Park Primary School in St Albans, where she serves as president of the Parents and Friends Association.
Mrs Baker’s fellow award winner, Keilor teenager Edward Buijs, received the Young Citizen of the Year gong.
Edward is a volunteer and has travelled to Papua New Guinea to participate in a humanitarian aid program.
Brimbank’s Environmental Achievement Award went to Kara Humphrey and Asha Bannon for The Sugar Glider Project.
Based at the Organ Pipes National Park, the pair research and monitor Sugar Glider numbers, health and habits.
President of the Sunshine Business Association, Bruce White, was given the council’s Cultural Achievement Award.
Brimbank’s Educator of the Year Award was presented to Bev Fegan, principal of the Jackson School in St Albans.
This year the council’s Australia Day selection panel used their discretionary powers to add a special award, the Lifetime Service Award, to the ceremony.
The award recognised the Lions Club of Sunshine which celebrated 60 years in 2013 and has raised more than $1 million for charity.
The Phoenix Street Children’s Centre in Sunshine North was given the Community Wellbeing Award.
