Australia Day Celebrations
29 Jan 07
The Meeniyan Ecumenical Choir led by Lynda Fromhold singing "Great South Land" and "We are Australian" at the Australian Day celebrations at the Meeniyan Hall. Guest Speaker and Australia Day ambassador, Gus Mercuri, and Award recipients sit behind. The poem "My Country" was read by Tarwin Valley Primary School Captains, Callan Pratt and Emily Wilson.
Federal and State politicians, Russell Broadbernt and Peter Ryan, South Gippsland Councillors Bob Newton, Clyde Patterson and Mayor, Jennie Deane and their partners gathered with a large number of local residents at the ceremony which was organised by the Meeniyan Progress Association, CWA, RSL and CFA. It began with a flag raising and concluded with a community brerakfast. Meeniyan also recognised its local nominees for the South Gippsland Citizen and Event of the Year with an Award.
Charles Baillie was awarded the title of South Gippsland Shire Council "Citizen of the Year" at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony in Leongatha on 17 January. He is known for his work over 30 years with the Leongatha SES and as someone who epitomises the spirit of true citizenship also through many other interests.
The Meeniyan awardees were:
Marilyn Mackie who has been a Red Cross stalwart for 31 years, caters for many occasions, assists with the Rotary Art Show, cleaned and provided flowers for her church and opened her garden to raise funds for Red Cross and the Meeniyan Hall.
Thomas Burge, former Chairperson of the South Gippsland Shire Council Consultative Committee and the Koonwarra Village Association, current Manager of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre and well known as a pivotal force striving for the betterment of Koonwarra, environmental issues and sustainable living.
Lyrebird Arts Council (accepted by Suzanne Henderson) for a series of 11 concerts in 2006 that filled the Meeniyan Hall to capacity.
The US born, well known Australian through Australian boxing and as an Actor, spoke passionately about being an Australian. He has lived here for 50 years. "When I came to Australia in 1956 I was amazed by the boundless room, boundless opportunities and enthusiasm, and I'm still amazed by that. Australia is the most admired, envied and respected nation in the world. It should fill us with pride."
"Freedom, choice, mateship and a fair go is what Australia is all about. We are blessed with love and comradeship, forged with blood, sweat and tears by our forebearers with boundless energy and spirit".
I am sure we all agree with him.
Well done to Meeniyan for a great function and well done and "thank you" to the Award recipients.
Thomas Burge, Marilyn Mackie, Gus Mercurio and Suzanne Henderson.