More than 70 people braved the rain for a COVID-safe Australia Day celebration in Avenel.
Hosting the event were last year's primary school captains Tom Byers and Willow Harper, who confidently kept proceedings flowing.
Guest speaker was Bronwyn Dunwoodie, who highlighted how the community responded with resilience to the challenges of 2020.
She and her husband Sam Plunkett own Seymour winery Wine X Sam, which had to shut early last year because of a COVID-19 contact.
Ms Dunwoodie said COVID-19 had pushed all businesses to become innovative and she was proud to be an Australian because of the way everyone responded and united to keep everyone safe.
Among the people recognised on the day were Jim Peart and Malcolm Little, who were acknowledged for their contributions to Avenel.
Citizen of the year - Tim Batten
Tim Batten was named Avenel’s citizen of the year for his active role in the community since 2004.
Strathbogie Shire's Cr Paul Murray said Mr Batten had worked tirelessly to build and support the community and its people, the town and its projects and local businesses and their livelihood.
“Tim has spent the past several years as captain of the Upton Hill CFA and has been a CFA member since 2004,” Cr Murray said.
“He is vice-president of Avenel Golf Club, after being president for about four years. He has spent countless hours curating the golf course, mowing greens, repairing the clubhouse, building and renovating additional facilities and maintaining the course.
“Tim is a volunteer at the Avenel Stationeers Group, which meets weekly to maintain the garden and surrounding areas of the historic Avenel Station.
“He is an Avenel Primary School volunteer, providing his support for special projects at the school long after his daughters have grown up.
“Tim is a member of the Avenel Action Group and regularly assists with local projects, most recently helping to upgrade the amenities around the local Avenel pool.
“He is also a member of the Avenel Whisky Club. This group provides important opportunities for local men to meet, catch up and discuss rural issues.”
Community organisation of the year - Avenel Plantation Volunteers
Community organisation of the year was awarded to the Avenel Plantation Volunteers, which created a native avenue of trees at the entrance to Avenel.
“The volunteers came together in the spirit of community and as a result, future residents will be able to sit in the shade of these trees for decades to come,” Cr Murray said.
“Volunteers from the Avenel community gathered in Henry St to spread mulch and to plant 280 trees and shrubs, with the aim of beautifying Avenel’s southern entrance and to eventually provide a plantation that will attract birds to the area.
“The 24-volunteer team is to be commended for the good humour with which each member participated and the spirit of community they helped to generate.”
Young citizen of the year - Sadhbh (Sive) O’Sullivan
Sadhbh (Sive) O’Sullivan was named young citizen of the year in recognition of her sporting achievements.
“She was a member of the Seymour Sharks swimming squad and has represented Avenel Primary School, Euroa Secondary College and St Marys College Seymour in district, division and regional carnivals in swimming, cross country and athletics,” Cr Murray said.
“She also played netball in the Monday night netball competition between Avenel and Nagambie and was elected Richardson house captain at Avenel Primary School.
“Unfortunately, due to the jarring on her knees, Sadhbh had to give up netball. Her mother, Anita, did some researching and discovered rowing may help strengthen her knees and she took to rowing like a duck to water.
“Since taking up rowing she has been successful in both school rowing competitions and also with the Nagambie Rowing Club.
“Sadhbh has shown commitment, dedication and determination to achieve these results, managing to balance both her rowing and schooling so neither are compromised.”
Junior citizen of the year - Ned Butler
Ned Butler, 10, was named junior citizen of the year and was recognised as a positive culture influencer.
“He is the eldest of three siblings and enjoys attending Avenel Primary School with his friends,” Cr Murray said.
“He contributes to the local community by always giving 100 per cent to his commitments such as football, cricket, singing and piano playing.
“Ned uses his initiative and takes responsibility beyond expectation for his years. I’m sure the community have all spotted him singing solos at the Avenel Christmas concerts.”