Awards fill hall

By Bridget Cook
LANG Lang residents filled the memorial hall for its Australia Day celebrations and community achievement awards presentation.
The town’s John Wilson won the Citizen of the Year award for his long service as president of Cardinia Civic Concert Band, president and leader of Lang Lang Scout Group, and membership of the Lang Lang Township Committee and the tennis club.
Achievement Awards also went to Ron Banbury, Pam Glover and Rosie Keane for their many years of dedicated service to the community.
The award for Senior Citizen of the Year went to Margaret Anderson, who volunteers at the Lang Lang Bowling Club, netball club, football club and St Mary’s Church.
Go Country, a small farming and outdoor expo for the Cardinia Community, won the Community Event of the Year award.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson made a special presentation to former councillor Doug Hamilton, who was unable to receive his memento earlier because he suffered a stroke.
Councillor Pearson thanked Mr Hamilton for his “selfless service” and described him as a “strong voice at the council table”.
A highlight of the day’s proceedings was the address by Australia Day ambassador and businessman Doug Christie.
“Australia Day is our national day of pride,” Mr Christie said, “and helps us to recognise our people, our community and our country.”