GLENELG Shire Council will host annual Australia Day community celebrations at Island Park, Casterton and the Portland Library Deck, from 8am, next Thursday.

Council supported community organised events in Merino, Nelson and Heywood will continue with their traditional formats, holding public outdoor events in their townships.

Live music, breakfast and guest speaker, John ‘Jack’ Matthews, will be on-site for celebrations at Casterton and Glenelg Shire Mayor, Scott Martin said the events were a great chance for the community to come together and reflect upon their achievements over the last 12 months.

“These events are a great way to acknowledge the many people and community groups who have made a positive difference to our shire as part of the Australia Day Awards program,” he said.

“Each year we are blown away by the nominations of local people who dedicate their time and resources for the betterment of our community. We look forward to sharing our Australia Day Award winners for 2023 and their many achievements.

“Popular community figures (John) Matthews and Dr Denis Napthine will also present at our Casterton and Portland events respectively, sharing their stories of resilience, triumphs and community spirit.

“Lastly, we will officially welcome a number of new citizens with our first Citizenship Ceremony of the year at our Portland event, which is always a pleasure to see new faces joining our community.”

Winners of 2023 Australia Day Awards will be announced across the following three categories:

• Citizen of the Year

• Senior Citizen of the Year

• Community Group of the Year

Casterton guest speaker, John ‘Jack’ Matthews, is well-known and respected across the district.

Mr Matthews and wife Judy raised their family in Casterton and he has worn many volunteer hats in his time, from Casterton’s Alex Club, through to the Casterton Kelpie Muster and Working Dog Auction, as they exist, today.

He was recognised in the 2022 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards, presented by Wannon MP, Dan Tehan, for his service to the June long weekend event.

“He spends many months coordinating and ensuring that each part of the weekend is well-oiled, and everything is in place,” Mr Tehan said.

“In the week leading into the weekend, assembling infrastructure, and ensuring everything is going to plan.

“On Saturday, at the Kelpie Festival, Jack is the voice behind the mic commentating on the Kelpie Dash and the Kelpie High Jump, which is of course after he assists in getting all the spectator seating and other infrastructure in place for the day.

“On Sunday, Jack will be found across any number of locations doing his bit to ensure that vendors are happy, ensuring visitors have the best possible experience and then when the auction is over, he packs up all the infrastructure.

“Jack has also been recognised as a Casterton Kelpie Association Life Member.”