The Kyneton Town Hall was adorned with flags and excitement on Wednesday, January 26, as Macedon Ranges council hosted its Australia Day citizenship and awards ceremony.
Although organised with a limited attendance to align with COVID-19 health and safety protocol, the hall was regularly filled with applause as the community celebrated its newest and most impressive residents.
Speaking before the shire’s three newest residents took to the Australian Citizenship Pledge, Macedon Ranges council mayor led an acknowledgement of country, and said she was looking forward to seeing how those becoming citizens would contribute to the community in their own way.
“By becoming an Australian citizen, we need to remember it doesn’t mean you’re forgetting where you come from, your own culture, or your own background,” Cr Anderson said.
“It means that you can bring that with you, embrace it still, and also take on some of what it means to be an Australian.”
Those in attendance were also treated to a keynote speech from Richard Rozen OAM, a holocaust survivor from Poland who migrated to Australia in 1951.
Mr Rozen and his family spent 13 months hiding in a cupboard during the Second World War to escape persecution.
After surviving the war, Mr Rozen arrived in Melbourne and has since become a successful businessman, a Bridge Grand Master and a National Chess Master.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said Mr Rozen’s story was a timely reminder to cherish the relative safety of our community.
The afternoon then proceeded to the citizenship awards which this year included three new categories.
Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG) president Dr David Gormley O’Brien was named the Citizen of the Year.
Since taking over as president four years ago, Dr Gormley O’Brien has more than doubled MRSG’s membership base, across a plethora of community action groups and was one of the founders of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society.
Dr Gormley O’Brien said he was “deeply humbled” to receive the award.
“What actually gives me absolute pleasure regarding this, is the recognition that the council and the public have given to the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, and for the terrific work it has been doing in all the Macedon Ranges,” he said.
In the new award categories, Newham resident Luke Spielvogel received the Connecting Communities Award.
Passionate about the shire’s native surroundings, Mr Spielvogel founded a group dedicated to bringing recognition to Hanging Rock, which has included 6000 residents. He also founded the not-for-profit Rock & Ranges Brewing Co-operative which aims to provide social opportunities for the community.
The Kyneton District Soccer Club was named the Healthy People and Environment Award winner, adding another trophy to its cabinet after being named Football Victoria’s Regional Club of the Year for 2021.
Led by president Ron Cole, the club has improved its female player participation to 42 per cent.
And the Business and Tourism Award went to Braeside Mt Macedon owner Andrew Towner.
Serving also as the president of the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Association, Mr Towner has advocated for local business and tourism operators in the area since moving to the shire in 2014.
