Congratulations to all who received awards and honours on Australia Day
Several of our Rotary community we recognised on Australia Day for their community service.
(Apologies to those we have not been made aware of)
Keith & Sheila Mansfield from Highton and John McDonald late of Torquay Rotary were each awarded OAMs for their untiring commitment to their community.
Christine Dufty from Nhill received the Hindmarsh Shire Citizen of the Year award
HIGHTON couple Kenneth and Sheila Mansfield have decades of serving the people of the Geelong region between them, but in entirely separate fields.
Both were individually awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) yesterday (Thursday, January 26) for service to community of Geelong as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
The couple has been married for nearly six decades but their associations and work with many community groups have never overlapped.
Kenneth’s service includes being a charter member of the Rotary Club of Highton since 1975, a foundation member of the Geelong and Surfcoast Cycling Club since 1977 and several positions at the Highton Bowls Club since 2002.
Sheila was honoured for, among other roles, being a joint founding member of Samaritan House in 2010, several roles at St Bernard’s Catholic Church, and five years as a prison chaplain at Barwon Prison in Lara.
Article and photo are by James Taylor, Geelong Times.
 
This article was in the Geelong Independant:
Certified Surf Coast Local Legend John McDonald had a history of community service like few others but unfortunately didn’t get to see his work recognised.
Mr McDonald, who was made aware of his nomination for a medal of the Order of Australia in September, 2022, died in November after a long period managing serious health issues.
Mr McDonald’s partner, Ms Margaret Isom, said he was thrilled to receive the news.
“He was so chuffed, he was just gobsmacked,” Ms Isom said.
“He was absolutely overwhelmed with the fact that he was going to be given this wonderful award.
“It’s such a shame. He was 83 and unwell, and I remember thinking, please God, let him be here for January. But it didn’t happen.
“But I am so honoured that I can receive it for him, and his family will be able to carry it on.”
Mr McDonald, a surveyor who was involved with building dams across the state, served his community in many ways over many years.
A member of Rotary since 1988, first at Mulgrave and then Torquay from 2001 on, Mr McDonald served in a number of roles, including president, treasurer and secretary.
Mr McDonald was responsible for setting up the University of the Third Age in Torquay and co-organised the first Relay for Life there as well.
A member of the Surf Coast Shire Environmental Advisory Committee, he was a recipient of the Local Legend award.
Whether it was sitting on the committee of a book fair, volunteering for food aid or hosting exchange students, John’s impact on his community was immense.
“He was just a wonderful community person; I know it sounds trite, but he was a man of the people,” Ms Isom said.
“He really was a local legend.”
 
From the Hindmarsh Shire website:
Christine Dufty of Nhill has been announced as Hindmarsh Shire Citizen of the Year for 2023.
For over 32 years, Christine has contributed to West Wimmera Health Services (WWHS) and to the wellbeing of the community in many different ways. Over the recent years, Christine’s knowledge and skills on infection prevention has been an asset to the community.
During the pandemic, Christine has been unwavering in her support of staff, and has been the go-to person for advice on management of infection prevention, vaccination, isolation, visitor management and a variety of other issues and challenges that have arisen. She coordinated the vaccinations of the elderly and vulnerable, staff, the community, and local businesses. 
Christine has gone above and beyond when caring for the community. She has travelled to businesses to vaccinate staff, visited the homes of vulnerable people, cared for residents in WWHS and other ages care facilities, and played a key role in operations of the COVID-19 testing station at the Nhill Truck and Trailer Exchange, community vaccination clinics and vaccination clinics for Children.
Outside of work, Christine has been involved in the Rotary Club for over 20 year and was the first female member of the Nhill Rotary Club, which once was an all-male club. During her time on the Rotary Club, she was heavily involved in the rehabilitation of the Nhill Swamp Boardwalk, saving it from being destroyed.
Christine is also a long-time member of the Nhill and District Sporting Club as a hockey player, volunteers for the Nhill Hockey Club and is a life member of the Wimmera Hockey Association.
In 2022, Christine was awarded the Employee of the Year Award at the ACE Radio Business Awards.
Cr Brett Ireland, Mayor said, “On behalf of Council, I thank Christine for her outstanding contribution and support to the community over the years, particularly throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Cr Ireland continued, “I am very honoured to be presenting this award and congratulate Christine as a very deserving recipient of the 2023 Hindmarsh Shire Citizen of the Year Award.”