THE power of community connection was recognised at Wednesday’s Australia Day events, with local volunteer and community advocate Andrew Bryant awarded the Shire’s top honour.

Mr Bryant was named the 2022 Glenelg Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year at Australia Day civic events in Portland and Casterton.

Reflecting on Mr Bryant’s achievements, Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said he had been instrumental in ensuring the success of many grass-root community campaigns.

“Andrew has firmly established himself in the fabric of Portland and he has gone above and beyond for the betterment of the community, donating his time and work for fundraising and causes close to his heart,” Mayor Rank said.

“One such example is the Anzac Day signs he has produced during the pandemic, donating profits from the purchase of the signs to the local RSL Sub Branch.

“Alongside these achievements, Andrew was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International and is an active member of many local groups such as the Battery Point Restoration Group, Beats Cycle for Hope and the Portland Soccer Club.

“Andrew was also a core member of the Portland District Hospital Helipad Action Group and the Portland Skate Park Working Group, ensuring key local projects were developed in line with community needs.

“He even had the honour of carrying the Relay Torch for the 2000 Olympics during its visit to Portland.

“Andrew is a wonderful example of a tireless worker for the community, and the impact individual efforts can make for the greater good. We thank him for his selfless contributions to our Shire, particularly during such challenging times.”

Mr Bryant was joined in the award honours by fellow recipients Senior Citizen of the Year Don Errey, Young Citizen of the Year Elijah Roberts and Community Group of the Year 3RPC Community Radio.

Mr Errey is a local identity who continues to dedicate his time and efforts for the greater community.

He is a Life Member of Portland Cable Trams (PCT) and has contributed an immeasurable number of hours and personal resources to enable and enhance PCT operations.

Outside of PCT, he has been a stalwart of Rotary, serving more than 50 years for the community organisation.

He was awarded Life Membership in 2011 with the Rotary Club of Portland and has been awarded the Fellow of Paul Harris Society eight times for his generous contributions to Rotary.

He has also been awarded the Avenues of Service Citation by Rotary International for his outstanding efforts in each of Rotary's Avenues of Service.

Mr Errey is an active member of the Portland Probus Club, life member of the Portland Bowling Club, member of the Portland Lifesaving Club, served 20 years membership as a Freemason, and was a past Commodore and Life Member of the Portland Yacht Club.

He continues to exemplify the term ‘community spirit’, putting the community at the core of his actions.

Young Citizen of the Year Elijah Roberts is an outstanding young volunteer and leader, championing causes he is passionate about.

The 2022 Portland Secondary College captain has represented Victoria as a basketball official, and has been a representative and local basketball coach for the under 14 development teams.

He was also recognised as “change maker” by the Australian Olympic Committee Change Maker program.

Alongside his sporting passions, mental health is also a topic close to his heart.

He was an Ambassador for the Black Dog Institute’s 'One Foot Forward' initiative, walking over 150km to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

Elijah was also part of a team that raised over $18,000 for charity, and has worked alongside RUOK Day? to spread awareness around mental health in schools and in the broader community.

Community Group of the Year 3RPC Community Radio are a volunteer-run, local broadcasting station that have served the Glenelg Shire for a number of decades.

A dedicated staff of volunteers work tirelessly on air and behind the scenes every day to ensure people can access local information, right from their home.

The station live broadcasts many iconic events such as Anzac Day, and local sport, and provides a platform for health and community agencies as well as providing music, weather and coastal reports.

Nominations for next year’s awards are now open.

Visit www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Discover-Our-Shire/Events/Australia-Day/Glenelg-Shire-Australia-Day-Awards for more information.