SOUTHERN Grampians Shire hosted a wonderful ceremony in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens yesterday morning for Australia Day, highlighting the efforts of those in the community who had to quickly adjust to online learning or someone who just looked out for their neighbour.

Before the official ceremony got underway, attendees were serenaded by the beautiful lilting melodies by solo singer, Caetline Martin, accompanied by her acoustic guitar, while later, the Hamilton Brass Band played the National Anthem during the flag raising ceremony, hoisted by the Hamilton Scouts.

From the volunteers who made homemade masks at the beginning of the pandemic, to those who bought supplies for someone in isolation, Lowan MP, Emma Kealy paid tribute to everyone who made a contribution to the community, however small.

“We’re all Australian and we’re all in this together, so thank you, to everyone,” she said.

Southern Grampians Shire chief executive, Tony Doyle, made an inspiring speech in recognition of Australia’s rich culture and paid respects to the Traditional Owners, particularly Gunditjmara, upon whose land the ceremony was held.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect, listen and gain a greater understanding of our indigenous Australians,” Mr Doyle said.

“While far from perfect, we come together today, to celebrate everything that is unique about our great country.

“There is so much hardship around the world today, let’s celebrate the opportunities that are afforded to us - we do indeed live in a lucky country,” he said.

Deputy mayor, David Robertson stood in for mayor, Bruach Colliton who is presently in isolation and made mention of the volunteers that carry our great country, but particularly our front line health and essential workers, which was followed by a round of applause.

“We can all work together to change the system for the better,” Cr Robertson said.

John Graham was awarded Citizen of the Year in recognition of his contribution to the community.

He is life member of the Western District Umpires Association, former president of several local schools and current, long serving secretary at HIRL; just some of the roles he has held within community organisations.

Mr Graham has been involved in the fundraising and building of the present Western District Umpires Association clubrooms, as a tribunal umpires advocate for many years in the Western Border League, also minor leagues of the south west region and recently has also been a tribunal member of the Hampton League tribunal panel.

Mr Graham’s leadership as president of Good Shepherd Kindergarten, Kent Road Primary School, Hamilton High School and as volunteer handyman at the Hamilton Special Development School for nearly a decade, has benefited nearly everyone in the community.

The Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning is also a great passion of Mr Graham’s having served as secretary from 2014 until present day, channelling his energy and enthusiasm into the organisation as one of the chief organisers with Terry Fitzgerald in running a very successful farmers market for over 10 years.

With a love of art, he assisted with the Mud Gallery in Gray St, developed the pottery studio at HIRL art-craft rooms and for a number of years ran a drop-in art group on a Wednesday night.

Mr Graham has been instrumental in the Bandicoot recovery program, development of the solar power, sourcing and receiving grants for several building additions to the complex.

Mia McGrath was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her commitment to coaching the Minders U14 girls’ basketball team over two seasons.

Ms McGrath said one of the highlights of the past year is the inspiration she draws from the dedication of the girls she coaches.

“They’ve worked really hard for the last two years and it’s an honour to coach them,” she said.

Ms McGrath was also Captain of the VCAL classes at TAFE, 2021 - she has completed her studies and will now begin a business traineeship at Unicraft Joinery in Hamilton, in sales and design.

Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Balmoral Easter Market subcommittee of the Balmoral Lions Club, an event that is getting bigger and better every year.

Di McLean, subcommittee chair was thrilled to accept the award along with the subcommittee members stating that 2021 was their biggest year yet.

“Considering the year we’ve all had due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was exceptional, the number of people that showed up was extraordinary,” Ms McLean said.

“We had to block off the streets to enable QR coding for all entrants with cars lined up for blocks and people were just so patient, with some having travelled from South Australia and Melbourne.
“We estimate around 3500 people attended throughout the whole day.

“The Balmoral Easter Market offers everything you can imagine, bakers with beautiful fresh bread, plants for sale from a nursery from Melbourne, who said it was their best market of the year, a food court, second-hand bric-a-brac and raffles up to the value of $800.”

Ms McLean added that Balmoral K-12 Community College also made a huge contribution through donations of food, plants, eggs, cakes and more.

“While visitors have the stalls and food court to enjoy, the pub was open with patrons spilling onto the street, queues out the door of the supermarket and café and the op shop going gang busters,” she said.