They live to give

By Lilly O’Gorman
THERE must be something in the water in the hills.
That’s what Cardinia Shire Mayor George Blenkhorn suggested when he announced Gembrook’s John Cascone as the Stan Henwood Award recipient, after his 26 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Gembrook community.
Mr Cascone was the third recipient in as many years to come from the Ranges Ward, presented at Council’s Community Capital Works grants evening on Thursday 28 July.
Cr Blenkhorn credited Mr Cascone with the establishment of the Gembrook Seniors club in 2005, the Gembrook market in 2005 and the major upgrade of the Gembrook Community Centre in 2009, among other achievements.
“While John is retiring in nature, he is faithful, responsible and hard-working,” Cr Blenkhorn said.
“He is a very worthy recipient of the 2011 Stan Henwood Award.”
Mr Cascone was visibly shocked at the announcement, thanking his family, Cardinia Shire Council and other local volunteers who had supported him in his community work.
“I never ever expected this in a million years,” he said.
“I am very, very proud to accept this in Stan Henwood’s honour.
“I have marvellous support from other community-minded people, and have been blessed to have a great secretary (at the Gembrook Bowling Club) Yvonne Bennett as well as her husband Barry.
“I would’ve given the people at Cardinia Shire Council a bit of a headache over the years, but it has all been for a good cause.”
Stan Henwood’s wife, Bev, presented the award on the night, alongside their daughter Denise Davidson.
The award is in its seventh year and commemorates the lifetime contribution Stan Henwood made to the Tynong community and the Cardinia Shire through his charity work and sporting and volunteer roles.
The presentation made for a fitting celebration of local volunteers, some of which were announced as successful applicants in the Cardinia Shire Community Grants Program.
Fifty projects will be under taken by 45 different community organisations across Cardinia Shire to the value of $513,780.
Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre received funding to replace a sandpit and cubbyhouse roof; Kooweerup Horse Riders Club received funding to construct a multi-purpose, all-weather horse riding arena; Bunyip Hall received funding for a new kitchen and Pakenham Bowls Club received a grant for lights around the bowling green.
Upgrades to sporting facilities were also supported through the program, including electronic scoreboards, AFL standard goal posts, cricket pitches and a batting cage for baseball.
Seven kindergartens received funding with outdoor play equipment upgrades and internal renovations among the most popular projects.
The annual capital works grants are available to not-for-profit and community groups to help them improve facilities that promote community networks and support family and community well-being.
Guest speakers addressed the audience on behalf of Upper Beaconsfield Kindergarten and Beaconsfield Pistol Club, two organisations that both received grants last year.
Fiona Scarborough of the kinder’s committee said the kinder’s new kitchen was the best Christmas present she had ever received.
“Without council’s contribution, our kitchen would still be a dream,” she said.
“On behalf of the kinder, we are very grateful to Cardinia Shire Council.”