You don’t have to look far in the Macedon Ranges to find passionate people.
The council’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year honour was bestowed on Judy Cope-Williams (pictured) last Thursday.
“It’s an honour and it’s certainly unexpected,” Ms Cope-Williams said. “I’m very humbled to receive this award.”
Ms Cope-Williams said she’s always been passionate about the arts and has dedicated much of her work to supporting emerging musicians.
“I played piano, guitar and cello growing up and music is just my big love,” she says.
“We’ve got a big property here and we thought what better way to use it than to nurture what we love.
“I think to support Australian musicians is important, both young and old.
“The quality of music in Australia is so high, why go elsewhere? The Macedon Ranges is a rich area for arts and music, and it’s so important that we support that.”
As chair of the Cope-Williams Arts Foundation – established with her husband Gordon in 2006 – Ms Cope-Williams
ensures financial assistance and development opportunities for musicians, with an emphasis on highlighting young, emerging performers from the region.
Up to 10 concerts each year are hosted at her Romsey home, which is also where the Cope-Williams Contemporary Art Centre is based.
Macedon Ranges council also honored Woodend’s Ashley Eadon, who was named Young Citizen of the Year for her fundraising efforts, particularly for children’s programs in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines.
Last year’s Zonta International Women’s Day Dinner, which drew together more than 200 women, won Community Event of the Year.
Amy Bell picked up one of three Community Achievement awards for devoting the past five years to advocate for the development of the Lancefield Skate Park.
Juli Robinson, of Bullengarook, was awarded for her service to her local playgroup, choir, Landcare, CFA, progressive dinner group and harvest exchange, while Woodend’s Cherry Servis was rewarded for her leadership role with the Woodend Lifestyle Carers’ Support Group.
