Mildura celebrates its Australia Day Award recipients
Published on 26 January 2017
Mildura Rural City Council’s 2017 Australia Day Awards recipients were announced this morning at the Nowingi Place.
Mildura Mayor Glenn Milne presented the Awards to recipients in the three categories as part of this morning’s official ceremony.
Graham Wyatt was announced as Mildura’s Citizen of the Year, Giovanni Barbera as Young Citizen of the Year and Sunraysia Gang Show as Mildura’s Community Event of the Year.
Cr Milne said the Australia Day Awards were an important way to recognise the achievements of local residents and events.
“Each year, our Australia Day recipients remind us how much we have to be proud of in this region, both in terms of the achievements of our residents, and the iconic events that we organise,” he said.
Citizen of the Year - GRAHAM WYATT
Graham, or ‘Colonel’ as he is affectionately known, is a wonderful example of the importance of local contribution and has devoted a lifetime serving the Murrayville community.
“He has shown true commitment to his local community through his years of service as an ambulance officer and Country Fire Authority volunteer,” Cr Milne said.
“A past Scout Leader and recipient of the Silver Wattle Award for outstanding service to the Scouting Association, Graham has supported, empowered and enriched the lives of two generations of children and young adults.
“By encouraging participation and community involvement, Graham has helped shape our leaders of tomorrow.“
With a passion for sport, Graham was a basketball coach for 25 years and had the privilege of coaching Rachael Sporn as a junior.
He is a life member and past president of the Murrayville Football Netball Club and today still serves the club as a trainer. In recognition of his dedication and contribution to local football, Graham was presented with the Mallee Football League Merit Award.
Graham has also made significant contributions to other community organisations in the Murrayville area including the Recreation Reserve Committee, Murrayville Centenary Committee, Murrayville Inc. Committee and the Murrayville Museum & Heritage Society.
A Centenary Medal recipient for services to the community, Graham’s commitment to the Murrayville region and its people is, to say the least, extraordinary.
Young Citizen of the Year - GIOVANNI BARBERA
In 2014, Giovanni began his study in Hospitality and Commercial Cookery. In 2015, he was awarded the SuniTAFE International Student of the Year and in 2016, the Council of International Students Australia, International Student of the Year award.
Giovanni recently graduated as a participant for the ‘New and Emerging Communities Leadership Program’, organised by Leadership Victoria, with the aim of “building leadership skills and contributing to both the local and Victorian community’. His project is aimed at helping and supporting new migrants, students, refugees and visitors.
He is also involved in the Sunraysia Local Food Future project, a local effort to change the food system towards a more sustainable and community-oriented model. He also conducted cooking demonstrations at the Jumpstart Youth Conference which aims to teach Year 11 and 12 students the skills they are going to need throughout their life, including cooking.
In August 2016 Giovanni was offered the opportunity of working with Zoe Support Australia, a local organisation which provides support to young mothers. His involvement sees him conducting cooking workshops every Wednesday morning, where young mothers can learn how to cook healthy meals for their children.
Describing Mildura’s Young Citizen of the Year as “inspirational”, Cr Milne said Giovanni was a shining example of the future potential of the area.
“Through his experience and community work in both hospitality and cookery, as well as his involvement in the New and Emerging Communities Leadership Program, Giovanni has already achieved and contributed so much,” Cr Milne said.
“Giovanni is an inspirational young man and we are proud that he now calls Mildura home.”
Community Event of the Year - SUNRAYSIA GANG SHOW
Sunraysia Gang Show is the largest and longest-running youth theatre production in the Sunraysia region.
Predominantly comprising members aged five to 26, Scout and Guide activities provide the community’s youth with an opportunity to gain valuable confidence and develop self-esteem through the performing arts.
The Sunraysia Gang Show provides a two-hour variety ‘review’ style show, with something for all ages, and in 2016 celebrated its 40th annual production.
“The show’s longevity is testament to the commitment shown by our local Scout and Guide groups, promoting youth engagement and encouraging participation,” Cr Milne said.
“More broadly, it’s also provided a host of special moments for both participants and audiences for four decades and is truly one of our iconic events.”
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au