Award ceremonies were held in Cowes and Wonthaggi as part of Australia Day celebrations across the Shire.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, presented seven awards to community members for their dedication and contribution to the Bass Coast region.
“It was a privilege to be able to make these presentations, recognising the achievements of these remarkable community members,” said Cr Dowman.
The Mayor said the Australia Day awards are a way for all Australians to honour their efforts.
“The awards focus on a select group of people and the distinctive work they do. However, the entire day is a celebration of our community and its achievements, making it a better place to live and visit.”
This year’s Bass Coast Australia Day Award recipients are:
Citizen of the Year – Neville Goodwin
Neville has been an active member of the Bass Coast community for over 30 years. Not only has he served as a Councillor for both the Shire of Bass and Bass Coast Shire Council, including four consecutive years as Mayor, he has devoted much of his personal time to assisting others in any way he can. He is always there to help anyone in a time of need and his catch cry “leave it with me” is always followed through.
Over the years, Neville has been a member of numerous community groups and organisations across not only Bass Coast but the wider Gippsland region, many involving leadership roles. These include: Wonthaggi Rotary, Wonthaggi Hospital Board, Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Authority, Grantville Market Committee, Grantville Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, Moonya, Bass Valley and Wonthaggi District Football League, Loch Brand UDV, Loch Football Club.
He continues to work at a grass roots level as a volunteer in many different avenues, happy to get in and get his hands dirty to get the job done. He is an organiser and a motivator, excelling at getting others ‘on board’ to achieve successful outcomes.
He is also continually successful at obtaining sponsorship, grants and donations to assist in fundraising efforts for various Bass Coast charities and events.
Neville is a highly respected member of the Bass Coast community, whose tireless work, dedication and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of others is to be admired.
Young Citizen of the Year - Holly du Plessis
Holly has been a significant contributor to Inverloch, and surrounding areas, for much of her life, despite her young age.
She is a fantastic role model educating, mentoring and protecting both locals and tourists of all ages through her involvement with the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club since the age of six.
Holly is a natural leader and has served as Vice Captain and Captain of her patrol within the Surf Life Saving Club. She has attended the Under 15 State Leadership Camp and the Bass District Development Camp. Her numerous qualifications include the Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue, Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew, Senior First Aid, Spinal Management and Advance Resuscitation and Training Officer certificates. In 2010/11, Holly was awarded Gold Level for Life Saving Victoria’s Youth Involvement Program, only achieved by approximately 20 other young lifesavers in Victoria.
Holly has also volunteered her time to act as first aid officer at various community events, including Inverloch’ Food and Wine Festival and Billy Cart Derby.
Holly is a part of the Phillip Island Swim Club, and a keen netballer and umpire with the Inverloch-Kongwak Netball Club.
She has been appointed various leadership roles at Newhaven College, including Year 9 Vice Captain, House Vice Captain, and is a member of the College’s fundraising team. She has also completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh.
Holly has been offered a position in Sports and Exercise Science at the Australian Catholic University as part of their Early Achievers Program, recognising her outstanding community involvement.
Sports Person of the year - Nikki Van Dijk
Nikki is a local surfer who has already achieved remarkable results. She is the Australian Under 18 Champion, Victorian Under 18 Champion and Victorian Open Champion, as well as coming third in the World Under 18 Championship. In 2011 Nikki also competed in open championships of the World Contest Series and the World Qualifying Series, surfing against the best female surfers in the world.
Nikki is a great role model for her sport, working hard to achieve her goals. She is dedicated to her training and the future looks bright for Nikki. Level headed and a wonderful young sports ambassador, Nikki encourages others to follow their dreams to reach their potential. She gracefully handles the pressures of her sport; the travelling, the successes and the disappointments.
Nikki has grown up in Bass Coast, attending Cowes Primary School and Newhaven College. She is also a valued and respected member of the Phillip Island Board Riders Club.
Arts and Cultural Ambassador - Kirk Skinner
Kirk is a fine local musician who is recognised nationally. He is dedicated to the arts and is an inspiration to young musicians, through his leadership, encouragement and energy. Despite his own personal success he has never forgotten his roots and continues to contribute to the arts locally through his involvement with Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, tutoring and mentoring and through financial support.
Kirk has made a significant contribution to music and education, through roles such as Music Director for Victorian Education Department, Education Consultant Musica Viva Schools, music examiner and instrumental music teacher. He has also been the Music Director for many professional productions.
Kirk is never too busy to provide leadership, advice and guidance gained through his experiences locally, nationally and internationally. He is friendly, energetic and always willing to give his time, skills and knowledge to foster arts and culture within Bass Coast. He is highly respected and sought after for his passion and leadership.
Kirk is a hands-on person who believes in the strength and adversity, the friendliness and the generosity of people who promote the arts.
Community Event of the Year - San Remo Channel Challenge
The San Remo Channel Challenge has been going for 26 consecutive years, starting in 1985.
The Channel Challenge is a race from the San Remo jetty, where the challengers swim 500 metres across the channel under the Phillip Island Bridge, followed by a 2.5km run back across the bridge to the finish line in San Remo.
The event is not only a great fundraising opportunity but provides a safe, controlled environment for a great competition.
The Channel Challenge is accessible for all levels of experience and ability and provides a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family.
The longevity, popularity and continued growth of the event demonstrate its success. The event raises much needed funds for local voluntary organisations, including the Surf Life Saving Club and Lions Club, both of which put this money back in the community.
Environmental Ambassador of the Year - Beth Banks
Beth demonstrates leadership through action, committing time, intelligence, energy and determination. She has an extensive community and business network and encourages others with her excitement and can-do attitude.
Beth has a professional background in nursing and teaching. She regularly supervises school, TAFE, mental health groups and other community groups in community planting and education sessions.
Beth has been an integral part in the coordination of numerous community projects, ensuring the participation of local community groups, schools students, university and TAFE students and various other volunteers.
Beth is involved in numerous community groups and organisations focusing on environmental sustainability, including the Wonthaggi Welcomes Wetlands, Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve, Wonthaggi Lifesaving Club and Tent Town Project, Rifle Range Project, Cape Paterson Coastal Plains Landcare Group and Friends of the Wonthaggi Heathland and Coastal Reserve.
She has also been a founding member of various environmental initiatives, including the Wonthaggi Seed Bank and Wonthaggi Urban Landcare.
Family Achievement Award - Thomas and Marjorie Beaton
Tom and Marjorie have made an outstanding contribution to the Bass Coast community over more than 50 years, and have passed their community mindedness onto their two daughters, Sue and Kaye.
Their tireless efforts have gone above and beyond their paid employment and their community focus is commendable.
Tom has been involved in the initiation of Masonic Lodge, has held numerous Committee positions on local sporting Clubs, was a member of the Cowes Ambulance Service for 46 years and was awarded a Life Governor. He is also a Life Governor of the Cowes Bush Nursing Hospital and an Honorary Member of the Phillip Island Rotary Club.
Tom has been awarded a Community Services Award and has been recognised for 50 years as a Justice of the Peace.
Marjorie was an original Committee member of the Cowes Ambulance Service, has held various executive positions, including the Warley Hospital Board, Phillip Island Ladies Masonic lodge Auxiliary and various sporting Clubs.
She has coordinated the Good Friday Appeal Collection for Phillip Island for more than 12 years and is a Life Governor of the Wonthaggi Hospital, Warley Hospital, Masonic Homes and Royal Children’s Hospital.
Tom and Marjorie were both awarded a Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments Centenary Medal in 2003 in recognition of their contribution to the Australian Society.