Aaron is number one

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Aaron is number one

Proud citizen: Aaron Wilson of Mirboo North is South Gippsland’s Citizen of the Year.

MIRBOO North’s Aaron Wilson was named South Gippsland’s Citizen of the Year on Wednesday night.

As a duty officer with the State Emergency Service, president of the Mirboo North Lions Club, CFA member, hardworking volunteer at the Mirboo North Football Club and a father of three, Mr Wilson was well deserving of the title.

A humble winner, Mr Wilson was lost for words after receiving the award at the presentation ceremony held by South Gippsland Shire Council at Leongatha Memorial Hall last Wednesday night.

“I’d just like to thank the Australia Day committee for the whole evening as well as all the other nominees,” he said.

“It was a very tough competition and I think we all deserve to be standing up here.

“One of my slogans is ‘It’s not what you get out of your community, it’s what you put in’ and it shows that there are many others here tonight who feel the same.”

Mr Wilson thanked his wife Rachel for supporting him with all his volunteer efforts.

Nominations for Citizen of the Year were: Trevor White of Leongatha, Margaret Stokes of Leongatha, Meryl Agars of Toora North, Helen Pearce of Korumburra, Ethel Hanks of Meeniyan and Irene Spooner of Toora.

The Centenary of Leongatha State Secondary Education won Community Event of the Year.

Leongatha Secondary College principal Brett Windsor gladly accepted the award on behalf of the centenary committee.

“There was so much work that went into this event, with years of solid planning by a fantastic team,” he said.

“They were a fantastic group to work with and a big thank you goes to everyone that was a part of the event.”

Ten community minded youths from around the shire received a Youth Community Contribution Award.

They were:  Abbey McNally of Poowong, Max Rounds of Leongatha, Emily Wilson of Meeniyan, Ashley Tilling of Poowong, Ben Thomas of Meeniyan, Madeline Lancey of Nyora, Stewart McKenzie of Korumburra, Tamara Loughridge of Poowong, Tom Horton of Korumburra and Shantal Kelly of Mirboo North.

Madeline also entertained the 240-strong audience with some memorable singing.

South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Kieran Kennedy paid tribute to all nominees.

“We celebrate your outstanding contributions to our shire and the people who live here,” he said.

“You make a difference to our lives, you strengthen our local communities and you are role models for others.

“In these challenging times in rural communities, your work is even more important, bringing hope, guidance, solace, joy and opportunities for reunion.”

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Posted by on Jan 30 2013. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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