A renowned Cohuna sports historian and a key member of the organising committee for many of the Gannawarra’s youth events have been recognised during the announcement of Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards.
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Ross Bateman was named Gannawarra Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year during a civic reception held at Kerang on Wednesday night, with Taylah Clements being presented with council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award.
“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Ross and Taylah for receiving their respective awards, and to all of the nominees for their continued generosity and contribution,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
Mr Bateman has developed strong links to the Gannawarra’s sporting landscape, dating back to his time as a senior footballer and top grade cricketer.
However, it is his passion for sports history that the Cohuna resident is renowned for.
“Ross’s greatest contribution to the Gannawarra has been his recording of sporting history, having spent five to seven hours per day, four to five days a week apart from short holiday periods, recording for posterity what may have been lost forever,” Cr Gillingham said.
“Clubs regularly contact Ross for historical facts, as well as individuals seeking knowledge of a long-gone family member.
“Ross is also a foundation member of the Cohuna Progress Association, an affiliate member of the Cohuna/Leitchville RSL Sub-Branch, a Cohuna Historical Society member and former Cohuna Golf Bowls Club bowls secretary.”
Ms Clements was recognised for her work with the municipality’s FReeZA committee during the past three years.
“Taylah always volunteers to provide young people in the Gannawarra and surrounds with opportunities to connect with their peers, increase youth wellbeing and provide safe and supervised youth events,” Cr Gillingham said.
“Taylah has helped organise many major events during this time, such as the Summerwave Music Festival, Rip and Dip Weekend and Neon Lights.
“These events required extensive effort and time commitments, which Taylah was always happy to meet.”
Mr Bateman and Ms Clements will also be recognised for receiving their respective awards as part of Australia Day celebrations occurring throughout the Gannawarra on Wednesday, January 26.
The following residents were also recognised during the civic ceremony as nominees for the two accolades:
Citizen of the Year nominees
Briony Baker
Briony has contributed to the Quambatook community for many years, holding positions with the former school committee, football club ladies committee, Lion Club and caravan park committee. Briony also assists with the tractor pull and vintage tractor pull.
Briony is renowned for helping anyone at the drop of the hat and makes sure the district’s elderly residents are looked after.
Sandra Bennett
For the past 19 years Sandra has organised the Quambatook Biggest Morning Tea event, which raises funds for the Cancer Council. This event began locally after Sandra and her friend, Cheryl Hind, decided to host a fundraiser after Cheryl’s secondary cancer returned.
Unfortunately, Cheryl lost her battle 15 years ago, but Sandra has kept her promise to continue to hold these morning teas, which have grown from being held at Sandra’s house to now occurring at the Quambatook Community Centre and raises around $7000 each year.
Geoff Molin
One of Koondrook’s quiet achievers, Geoff has been the instigator of any major project that has occurred in the town. This included the internationally recognised Koondrook Wharf.
Geoff is also known to drop into residents’ yards and mow their lawns, as well as support businesses financially in difficult times.
Lloyd Murray
An inspiration for the next generation of Aboriginal leaders in the Gannawarra, Lloyd currently chairs the Kerang Elders and Leaders group, and came up with the idea for the Tyipen Kwe Indigenous youth group run by Northern District Community Health.
A respected Elder, Lloyd was part of the team that led the first reconciliation events and NAIDOC Week events in the Gannawarra, as well as instigating the Stolen Generation Children's Garden and plaque at the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre.
Jenny Nolen
A foster carer for the past 25 years, Jenny has provided a safe place within our community for children to thrive, treating all under her care as if they were her own.
During the last four years Jenny has looked after eight children — her largest number, and regularly invites other disadvantaged children into her home so their carers can have a rest.
Mick McKenzie and Trent O’Neill
Mick and Trent have operated Byron’s Gym, located in the basement of Patchell Plaza, since 2013 following the death of the gym’s founder, Byron Reid.
Both Mick and Trent volunteer their time to open the gym, which provides a safe venue for local children to learn new skills and hang out with their mates.
Young Citizen of the Year nominees
Ebony Smith
The current president of the Cohuna and District Leo Club, Ebony has been a member of this community organisation since 2017, previously holding the positions of Secretary and Treasurer.
Ebony has contributed to all club projects, which help the wider community, and has assisted with raising funds for children impacted with the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires and the Lions Club of Cohuna wood delivery program.
Allen Veloso
A member of the 1st Kerang Scout Group and Catalina Venturer Scout Unit, Allen is the first Kerang Scout to be awarded the Queen’s Scout Award in 25 years. The award teaches scouts life skills, and the importance of contributing and volunteering in their community.
Allen also helped the Kerang Fire Brigade form a junior team to compete in Fire Brigade Championships held across the region.