BATTLING fires and floods over nearly four decades is one of the reasons why Kerang Fire Brigade captain Ramon Steel has been recognised as Gannawarra Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year for 2023.
“I was pretty honoured to be nominated, and then when I actually won it ahead of the other nominees I was pretty humbled by it,” Capt Steel told the Gannawarra Times.
“You don’t join organisations and do things looking for awards, so when they come along your way it is quite a pleasant surprise.”
Captain Steel was named as Citizen of the Year during a civic reception held in Kerang on Wednesday evening.
“Ramon’s leadership qualities have enabled the Kerang Fire Brigade to serve the community as a well-trained, highly skilled and cohesive emergency service entity which works well with other brigades and other agencies,” Gannawarra Shire Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“Ramon has demonstrated competent leadership in dealing with some of this community’s largest structure fire in recent years, including the blazes that destroyed the historic Gilbert Club Hotel in 2009, the fire that badly damaged the Kerang Hotel in 2013, the 2011 floods and the recent floods that are still impacting the Gannawarra.”
Having now been a volunteer with the Kerang Fire Brigade for 39 years, and being captain for 19 of those years, Captain Steel said that volunteering is something that “gets into your blood”.
“I joined the fire brigade many years ago to help protect life and property, and that’s what I enjoy getting out of it, helping people,” he said.
“Even though I’m the captain, I’m only one of a team, and unless I’ve got a good strong team under me stuff doesn’t happen. So it’s a team effort, not just an individual.”
Gannawarra Shire Council also announced their 2023 Young Citizen of the Year, Deaken Fawcett, who was recognised for his numerous volunteer efforts with various organisations.
“Deaken has been a member of the Summerwave Music Festival organising committee for the past two years, which have led to the Gannawarra hosting musicians locally that are commonplace in regional and metropolitan areas,” Cr Gillingham said.
“An avid musician, Deaken is also the first to accept any call for assistance when performers are required locally, taking to the microphone at local community events including churches, eateries and street busking.
“He also contributes to the monthly open mic nights at the Kerang Sports and Entertainment Venue and is always willing to play the backing music for anyone who would like it, especially the older community.”
Both Captain Steel and Mr Fawcett will be recognised for their awards as part of Australia Day celebrations occurring throughout the shire on Thursday January 26.
“Gannawarra Shire Council congratulates Ramon and Deaken for receiving their respective awards, and to all of the nominees for their continued generosity and contribution,” Cr Gillingham said.
