By NICOLE VALICEK
WILLOWS Historical Park was the perfect backdrop for Melton residents to celebrate their national pride during the annual Australia Day celebrations held on Saturday.
Two individuals and two groups were celebrated and recognised for their outstanding contributions and achievements during Melton City Council’s prestigious Community Achievement Awards.
This year’s Citizen of the Year Award was awarded to Danny Conlan.
Mr Conlan is described as a prolific volunteer who devotes his time to leading and taking part in many organisations including The Lifestyles walking group, chair aerobics and Melton’s Men shed.
The dedicated citizen is also an Aging Well ambassador and is committed to promoting happy healthy lifestyle for every resident in the local community.
Known as a young activist, this year’s Young Citizen of the Year was presented to Maddison Parker.
The determined young lady has embarked on a journey to increase awareness of the condition known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or EDS.
Maddison suffers from this rare and incurable disease but that has not stopped her determination.
In the group section The Gap on Graham won the Community Organisation of the Year Award, while the Community Project of The Year went to the Disability in Sport Awareness Program run by the Catholic Regional College in Melton.
A not-for-profit organisation The Gap on Graham Youth Centre has accrued more than 400 members in its first year of operation.
The centre targets ‘at risk’ youth in Melton aged 10 to 24 years and has provided structured activities, exercise programs and promoted up-skilling and opportunities for vulnerable young residents.
The Disability in Sport Awareness program was developed in conjunction with the Victorian Certificate of Allied learning at Catholic Regional College.
It has achieved phenomenal results in teaching and engaging students with regard to disability and sports in the community.
City of Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik said the influx of applicants was a reminder that the awards hold great value within the community.
“On behalf of Melton City Council I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to all nominees and winners who truly are outstanding citizens,” Cr Majdlik said.
