FROM putting out fires to raising money for those in need, Panmure resident Reg Dumesny is a worthy recipient of Moyne Shire Council’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award.
Mr Dumesny will be recognised for his contributions to the community with a ceremony on his home turf – the Panmure Recreation Reserve – on Australia Day from 11am.
A former member of the SES and CFA, Mr Dumesny is currently a member of the Panmure Action Group.
He has also been team leader in three Variety 4WD Treks which have raised over $40,000 for Variety – the charity dedicated to helping children who are disadvantaged, sick or have special needs.
Mr Dumesny also worked on the Panmure war memorial and community park, and was the master of ceremonies at Panmure’s ANZAC day parade last year.
Mr Dumesny said receiving the award was a ‘hell of a surprise’.
“I was just doing what you do as a member of the community,” he said.
“I was a bit shocked.”
The Citizen of the Year Award acknowledges outstanding service and contribution over a number of years given by an individual to their local community.
Moyne Shire’s Australia Day celebrations will also feature an address by Australia Day ambassador Stella Axarlis AM, as well as a community BBQ, a citizenship ceremony and the presentation of other awards.
The recipient of the Community Event of the Year award will be The Sisters’ Battle of the Lone Pine commemoration service. The aware recognises a person or group that has staged the most outstanding local community event during the year.
Over 400 hundred people gathered at The Sisters Soldiers’ Memorial Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine with a community service and concert. The success of the event relied on the dedication of volunteers and community groups including the Terang RSL, Keilambete Music Committee and the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall committee.
Moyne Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year Award will be given to Angela Kenna. The award acknowledges the outstanding service and contribution of a person under the age of 27.
Miss Kenna was an integral part of The Sisters’ Battle of Lone Pine Commemoration Service that attracted a crowd of over 400 people, writing and performing a song We Will Remember Them, which she wrote for the event. She also performed for various organisations during the year and was heavily involved in the Moyne Freeza program.
