THE Ararat community gathered at Alexandra Gardens on Tuesday to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution that certain individuals and groups have made to the town.
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Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council, Cr Paul Hooper, led the 2016 Australia Day ceremony and outlined the importance of the event.
“Every Australia Day we consider why it is so special to be an Australian. We have a country of incredible natural beauty and a unique culture formed by the diversity of people who have made Australia their home,” Cr Hooper said.
Willaura resident Heather Fleming was announced as Ararat’s Citizen of the Year. While Mrs Fleming was not in attendance at the ceremony, Cr Hooper acknowledged her achievements and thanked the crowd on her behalf.
Mrs Fleming was rewarded for her tireless work over the years and for her active role in the Willaura and District Community Development Group to build community engagement.
“Her community mindedness and selflessness are an asset to the community,” Cr Hooper said.
The Community Service of the Year award went to Ararat Rotary Club, a group that has a strong focus on supporting young people as well as community groups with their fundraising efforts.
“They are a strong leader in providing assistance in times of disaster such as last year’s Moyston fires, when they prepared and cooked meals each week for volunteers working to rebuild fences in the Moyston area,” Cr Hooper said.
Accepting the award was Ararat Rotary president Ron McCormick, who thanked his team for their hard work and also the citizens of Ararat for supporting the group’s fundraising efforts.
Meanwhile, the Marian College Remembrance Day Poppy Project claimed the 2016 Community Event of the Year accolade.
The project was rewarded for the benefits it has provided the local community. The project celebrated the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and the sacrifice made by so many for their country.
It is also recognised and celebrated the 1800 people from the Ararat and rural areas that fought for Australia during World War I. Marian College ceramics teacher, John Eagle spoke about the project and where the idea originated.
Joining Ararat in its ceremony was Australia Day ambassador, Don Hyde. Mr Hyde spoke at length about the Australian spirit and wished Ararat all the best on its future success, particularly with its fitness and lifestyle programs.
Seven people became Ararat’s newest Australian citizens following Tuesday’s ceremony.