By VANESSA VALENZUELA
BRIMBANK residents proudly displayed their national pride during the annual Australia Day celebrations on Saturday.
Six outstanding individuals and organisations were also recognised for their hard work and outstanding initiatives at the Australia Day Award ceremony last week.
Keilor resident Dr Les Norton was named Citizen of the Year for his outstanding personal endeavours, achievements and contributions to the community.
Dr Norton was the first local gastroenterologist at the Western Hospital in Footscray and has spent more than 30 years restoring the historical Overnewton Castle for the community to enjoy.
He is also a member of the East Keilor Rotary Club, the Keilor Historical Society and the Keilor Life Activities Group.
Young Citizen of the Year Fostin Nshimirimana has overcome many challenges in his life to become a pro-active member of the community and has been involved in a number of Brimbank council initiatives including the Youth Forum Organisation and Youth Participation Forum.
He was a founding member of the RAP3021 program and is part of the hip hop group the ‘St Albans Crew’.
Teacher of the Year Award recipient Sylvia Bereens has worked at St Augustine’s Primary School in Keilor for 27 years and was recognised for her ability to help students strive for excellence.
The Community Wellbeing Award was handed to Sunshine Height Cricket Club, University Park Primary School was given the Environmental achievement award for their preservation practices and not-for-profit organisation Gallery Sunshine Everywhere took out the Cultural Achievement award.
Australia Day ambassador Professor Aliakbar Akbarzadeh was also in attendance. The professor who has been involved in the research and development of solar and renewable energy technologies for three decades, also volunteers with a migrant information centre and the Wesley Mission’s Do Care program to assist senior citizens in need of social support.
Chair of Brimbank City Council John Watson said the high calibre and increased numbers of nominees meant deciding the winners had been a tough job.
“All the nominees displayed amazing passion and commitment in their work within our community” Mr Watson said.
“The achievements by this year’s winners have delivered exceptional outcomes and benefits for the community, not only for now, but ones that are sure to be felt well into the future.”
