Rutherglen’s community spirit was on show as the town recognised their local achievers at last week’s Australia Day breakfast and awards ceremony in Lion’s Park.
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The Rotary Club of Rutherglen had the barbeque fired up early with bacon, eggs and sausages the order of the day.
“What a great turnout,” Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price told the crowd of around 150 people. Mayor Price was joined by Cr Roberta Horne and CEO Trevor Ierino.
“Today we are very pleased to be recognising two Rutherglen individuals; Laurie Thatcher as Indigo Shire’s 2023 Citizen of the Year and Joseph Brooks as the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year.
“How fortunate Rutherglen is to have great volunteers and aspiring leaders within the community.”
Former Rutherglen High School Principal Phil Rogers delivers an Australia Day address.
Mr Thatcher was recognised for being an active member of the Rutherglen community for many decades, in particular, as a member of the Rutherglen Parks Committee of Management for more than 20 years including 10 years as chairman.
His service to the community was highlighted, being a charter member of the Rutherglen Rotary Club holding many executive roles since joining in 1987.
Mr Thatcher was also acknowledged for his work as the area co-ordinator of the Good Friday Appeal for 14 years and as a reporter for the Rutherglen Advertiser for several years.
In addition to his community involvement, Mr Thatcher is a current member of the Rutherglen Golf Club and is an active volunteer and committee member.
Laurie Thatcher giving his acceptance speech at the January 26 ceremony in Rutherglen.
Mayor Price praised Mr Thatcher’s dedication to his community over many years.
“Laurie’s commitment to serving his community is to be admired and truly makes him a worthy recipient of this award,” she said.
“For over 40 years he has been a stalwart of the community, whether it be through committees of management, sporting or charitable endeavours. This recognition is so well-earned and deserved.”
Young Citizen of the Year Joseph Brooks pictured with Cr Roberta Horne and Mayor Sophie Price.
In receiving the award Mr Thatcher said he was “humbled” by the recognition.
“I can think of a lot of other people ahead of me on the list worthy of the Citizen of the Year Award.”
“Volunteering is great for making contacts in the local community, especially post Covid. You can come together and talk, laugh and connect.”
“I’ve loved being able to distribute funds to school kids so they get to enjoy an end of year celebration or sending money overseas where it can help communities in need.”
Joint Young Citizen of the Year Joseph Brooks was surprised to be nominated.
The former School Captain of Rutherglen High School in 2022, represented students on School Council and lead school assemblies.
Joseph was recognised for demonstrating natural leadership qualities through his work as a lifeguard at Rutherglen Pool.
“I really appreciated being nominated and that someone saw something in me that I didn’t see, it is really humbling,” the 18-year-old said
Rutherglen Rotarians cooking up a storm in Lions Park.
“Being a leader and a role model is something I always wanted to be. I have looked up to many others on and off the footy field and have never taken my position for granted,.
When I was junior school caption or senior school captain, I had expectations to live up to and the role being more than just a title.
“The aim of finishing high school for me was to leave a legacy and have a positive impact with teachers and younger kids”
Mayor Price congratulated Joseph and Yackandandah’s Henry Rotherham, who also received the prestigious award. “Henry and Joseph are such strong leaders at school and within the community which has made them brilliant role models for other young people,” she said.
“Through their leadership, other local young people will be inspired to strive to do their best and be someone that their peers can look up to.”
Former Rutherglen High School principal Phil Rogers delivered a thought-provoking Australia Day address reflecting on the importance of public education as well as supporting and encouraging the next generation of young people.
Proud family: Isabella Brooks, Fiona Brooks, Joseph Brooks, Frank Brooks and Edward Brooks.
“Value education, support education funding and especially support public government schools who still do the heavy lifting for those kids in need the most,” the recently retired teacher of 41 years said.
Following Mr Rogers’ speech, Rutherglen High School’s 2023 school captain Ryley Hayes spoke about what Australia Day means to him.
“Australia Day is a day to appreciate all the good things we have in our great country,” he said.
“Like a slightly overcooked sausage on the barbeque, a game of backyard cricket or hanging by the pool with mates. It’s a great day to reflect and celebrate all the things we love.”
Australia Day Award Winners
Laurie Thatcher – Citizen of the Year
Joseph Brooks – Young Citizen of the Year
Henry Rotherham – Young Citizen of the Year
Totally Renewable Yackandandah – Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
Ken Jones - Kiewa Tangambalanga District Certificate of Achievement
Rohan France - Beechworth and District Certificate of Achievement
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