Violet Town celebrates Australia Day
A large crowd gathered in the grounds of the Community Complex to join in the Australia Day celebrations and to enjoy an excellent breakfast prepared by the Lions Club.
Australia Day: Raising the flag were Doug Welsh and Ted Armstrong. Click image
Every year Violet Town celebrates what it means to be Australian and this year was no exception, recognising those citizens who have selflessly committed their time and effort to the betterment of the community.
The Violet Town choir, they recently sang at the Christmas Party on 18 December 2006, entertained the audience with a variety of songs including bush ballads and others easily recognised.
In brilliant sunshine, the Violet Town Australia Day Committee President Pam Ellis welcomed the 200 plus residents, called for the raising of the flag by Doug Welsh and enjoined all to sing the National Anthem and to re-affirm their 'loyalty to Australia and its people, democratic beliefs, rights and liberties and the laws'.
President, VT Australia Day Committee Pam Ellis and Ambassador Irena Olevsky. Click image
"The Australia Day Ambassador Program, proudly sponsored by Safeway and co-ordinated by the Australia Day Committee (Victoria), provides a unique opportunity for Victorians to meet inspirational Australian achievers." Anthony Worry representing Safeway, made a brief address and then presented our Australia Day Ambassador, Irena Olevsky, with an Ambassador lapel pin.
Irena, born in Moscow, Russia, commenced Synchronized Swimming at the age of 8 as it provided a combination of two favourite sports – swimming and rhythmic gymnastics.
Australia Day: Anthony Worry, Irena Olevsky, Young Citizen of the Year Kathleen Gibbs. Click image
She became an Australian citizen in 1995 and represented Australia in a number of international competitions including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and representing Australia in 2000 Sydney Olympics. She also completed the Bachelor of Business degree from Monash University while training and competing full time. Irena spoke of what it means to be an Australian from the point of view of a migrant and marvelled at the way Australians volunteer. Read Irena's address to Violet Town
Three awards were made: Young citizen of the year (Violet Town and District); Community Event / Group of the Year (Violet Town); and Senior Citizen of the Year.
Councillor Robin Machin proceeded to announce the winners of the awards by calling on Kathleen Gibbs to accept the award of Young citizen of the year. In response Kathleen said "Now I know why I was asked to be here and why all my family is here too!". A very proud family watched as Kathleen received the award to loud applause.
Australia Day Ambassador Irena Olevsky presents Citizens of the Year awards to Peg and Ted Armstrong. Click image
The second presentation was made to the group who organised the Getting Involved Committee for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. The award was accepted by Gary Abley and Garry Moore.
The final award, Senior Citizen of the Year, was made to husband and wife Peg and Ted Armstrong for the unstinted and untiring work for the community.
Australia Day award recipients [l-r] Anthony Worry, Irena Olevsky, Kathleen Gibbs, Ted and Peg Armstrong, Garry Moore. Click image
Pam Ellis concluded the Australia Day proceedings with a thank you to the singers, the musicians, the Australia Day committee and helpers, the Lions Club, the RSL and the sponsors: Dairy Farmers; Pomeroys; Ardmona SPC; Greg Fluck; Euroa Hot Bread; and Strathbogie Shire Council, without whose assistance and generosity the celebration may not have been the success it was.
A tradition of Australia Day that has continued over recent years has been the announcement and presentation of money to worthy organisations by Violet Town's Op Shop.
This year was no exception and on behalf of CFA Violet Town, Captain Howard Myers gratefully accepted a cheque for $1500. In response Howard acknowledged the work of the volunteers, echoing the words of Ambassador Irena Olevsky, saying that during the 51 days of the bushfires, Violet Town CFA fielded five fire fighters every day. What a great contribution and many thanks to these wonderful people!
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