More citizens recognised on Australia Day

Mr Mason is one of the Broadford Cemetery Trust’s longest serving members.

He joined the trust in 1989 and served as a committee member for more than three decades until September 2021.

During his 32 years with the trust, Mr Mason held several positions including committee member, honorary committee member, chairman, secretary and treasurer.

He is the longest-serving chairman in the trust’s recorded history and was the statutory representative at most funerals from 1993 to 2016.

Tatiana, 12, is committed to helping her community by assisting Kilmore Miniature Railway, where she has been a volunteer for more than three years.

She helps with ticket selling, setting up and cleaning on running days and working bees.

Tatiana also helps the 1st Kilmore Joey Scout Group, of which she has been a volunteer and youth member for four years.

The online or community event of the year award was awarded to the Seymour Local Aboriginal Network NAIDOC Week event, while Love in Action Wallan snared the community group of the year award.

Mitchell Multicultural Community Association was the recipient of the access and inclusion champion award.

"These awards in some small way give recognition and thanks to people who have done so much for our communities, in many and varied ways," Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said.

“Lifelong volunteers, dedicated young people and active community groups are the lifeblood of our shire in our urban and rural areas.

“These people selflessly volunteer to make a real difference to other people’s everyday lives. The awards this year continue to showcase the wonderful community spirit and the high calibre of volunteers we have across the shire.

“I encourage everyone to thank the recipients for their service as well as the many other volunteers who dedicate their time in our communities.”

Rotary Club of Seymour Police Officer of the Year Award

The Peter Toomey Police Officer of the Year Award is awarded by Rotary Club of Seymour in honour of former police officer and Rotarian Peter Toomey.

The recipient is recognised as having demonstrated outstanding service to the community, with emphasis on police values of flexibility, leadership, integrity and respect, showing professionalism and support to police and community.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 2020 winner Leading Senior Constable Brooke Malane and 2021 recipient Leading Senior Constable Christopher Cummins were presented with their awards at this year’s Australia Day ceremony.