Young community champions rewarded on Australia Day
The community contributions of two young people proved too difficult to set apart at the Macedon Ranges Australia Day awards over the weekend.
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The community contributions of two young people proved too difficult to set apart at the Macedon Ranges Australia Day awards over the weekend.
Kyneton’s Jessica Cockerill-Wright and Woodend resident Shaylyn Blyth were jointly awarded young citizens of the year for their tireless community work.
Longtime volunteer Robert Renton won the citizen of the year award. The Vietnam veteran has worked as a pension and welfare officer at Kyneton RSL since 2003.
Both Cockerill-Wright and Ms Blyth have made huge contributions to their communities in different ways.
Ms Cockerill-Wright is the first woman in Kyneton CFA history to be elected to the position of lieutenant.
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Last year she won awards for community leadership and organised a fundraiser to support drought-stricken farmers.
Ms Cockerill-Wright said she was honoured to receive the award.
“I felt shocked, as I don’t feel worthy for the award but also very honoured to receive it. (I) just want to thank my family and friends for all of their support,” she said.
Ms Blyth has worked with projects to improve mental health in LGBTQ young people and helped found a Pride Crew at Gisborne Secondary College. She is also a youth ambassador for the Macedon Ranges and a former Live4Life crew member.
“When I was 13 or 14, I didn’t have anyone I could relate it. In a way, I want to be the person I needed when I was younger,” she said.
Australia Day showcased a range of community-minded talent throughout the Macedon Ranges.
Jason Azzopardi won the community achievement award for his work with Kidzflip, and Woodend Winter Arts Festival co-founder Dr Jacqueline Ogeil was named arts ambassador. Community event of the year when to the Malmsbury Town Hall 150th birthday celebrations.
ROBERT MARSH HONOURED
Victorian valuer general and Woodend resident Robert Marsh received a Public Service Medal for more than a decade of hard work. His role includes overseeing valuations for State Government property and council rating and helping other departments with financial reporting.
Mr Marsh said the honour came as a shock.
“I was very surprised, chuffed and honoured to receive it,” he aid.
“The role has given me the opportunity to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, within the provision of valuations.”
In his spare time, Mr Marsh is a brigadier in the Army Reserve. He has commanded infantry and university regiments, as well as Victoria’s 4th brigade.
“When I was a student at RMIT, I joined the army reserve. I’ve found it’s a wonderful way to serve your country,” he said.
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