KERANG residents celebrated Australia Day in a quintessential way – a barbecue breakfast, singing and a game of cricket.
More than 150 people gathered at Atkinson Park for the town’s traditional national day celebrations.
Rotary Club of Kerang members were kept busy before official proceedings catering a barbecue breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage and tomatoes.
The Lions Club of Kerang-organised ceremony focused on the role residents play in keeping the community strong.
Australia Day Ambassador, Sally Nolan echoed these sentiments in her address.
The Cricket Australia employee, who visited Cohuna in 2008 as part of her role, encouraged all residents to volunteer their time to help out.
“Let’s make Australia Day one that we can think about how we can contribute to our communities, even in a small way,” she said.
The mother of two – who joined close to 200 other people across Victoria in speaking at Australia Day events – told the crowd about what Australia Day means to her.
“Australia Day means many different things. It is a day to enjoy the company of others, as well as share good fun and good times,” she said.
“It is also a reminder that during tough times we need to look after our mates.
“We must value our freedoms, as our ancestors – and many who have called Australia home – have come from places where freedom is denied.”
The Kerang Progress Association was also recognised for its role in rejuvenating Kerang’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Association president Kelvin Burt joined Carol Barton, Christine Burt, Wilma Ellis, Jacqueline Hibbert and Angela Teasdale in raising the Australian flag at the start of proceedings.
“The turnout at the event in December gave a clear indication that Kerang was screaming out for New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Gannawarra Shire Council representative, Cr Brian Gibson said.
Celebrations ended with a cricket match, organised by Cr Gibson and Mrs Nolan.
Honour for citizen
GANNAWARRA Shire Council’s three major community award winners were recognised during the Australia Day celebrations at Kerang.
Citizen of the Year, Ken Jenkins joined Youth Citizen of the Year, Lenny Brown and Senior Citizen of the Year, Alison McKenzie in receiving their awards from Cr Brian Gibson.
Mr Jenkins’ accolade honours his long-serving commitment to health services and business groups.
“Today’s event is a prime example of the work that allows our community to gather and celebrate,” he said.
“Those of us involved in community affairs do not do so for the recognition. We do it out of a sense of commitment and in support of each other.”
The presentation of the Youth Citizen of the Year award was a double celebration for Miss Brown, who turned 17 on Tuesday.
The Kerang Christian College year 12 student was recognised for her role with the Gannawarra Shire Youth Council, as well as other community groups.
“If I was not on youth council I would not be in the position I am in right now,” she said.
“Many hands make light work, so this award is for all the young people who have put their hand up to make the community a better place.”
Mrs McKenzie – who was recognised for her roles in forming the Murray Street Kindergarten, the Kerang Little Athletics Centre and a 44-year commitment to the town’s Meals on Wheel program – praised all residents who help out.
“There are so many people in the community who do just as an important job as I do,” she said.
“I am lucky to have been volunteering for 53 years.”
