The 2020 City of Greater Bendigo Citizen of the Year is Anne Prime and the Young Citizen of the Year is Harley Hayes.
Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said Anne and Harley had been recognised for their leadership and commitment to the Greater Bendigo community.
“Anne is a passionate volunteer with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDA) and has been involved in that organisation for 24 years,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“She is also secretary of the Mandurang South Recreation Reserve Committee and a member of the Mandurang CFA. She has been involved in securing grants and new infrastructure for RDA Bendigo and for the recreation reserve.
“Harley is a leader in his chosen field of occupational therapy and is a dedicated mentor to other students.
“He is a member of the Bendigo Mental Health Professional Steering Committee and was Vice President of the Bendigo Occupational Therapy Student Association. He works tirelessly to promote his profession and the importance of access to rural health services.
“The City is delighted to honour Anne and Harley. Their actions demonstrate what being part of a community is all about.
“Congratulations to Anne and Harley, thank you for your contribution to our community and best wishes for the next 12 months as you serve as ambassadors for Greater Bendigo.”
About Anne Prime
Anne is a dedicated volunteer at Riding for the Disabled Bendigo. For the last 24 years she has worked tirelessly to organise and provide outstanding programs and facilities for young people and adults with disabilities.
Anne is also secretary of the Mandurang South recreation Reserve Committee, helping to secure solar panels for the pavilion and instigating significant improvements to the facilities. Anne is also a member of Mandurang CFA.
Through her leadership with RDA, Anne organised the construction of an equipment shed at Bendigo Showgrounds and extra equipment for horses and riders. With changes in infrastructure at the showgrounds, Anne organised a new home for RDA Bendigo at Mandurang South Recreation Reserve with the construction of a new shed, storage containers, yards and tank.
Anne ensures all volunteers and participants are well supported with training, welfare and special rewards, and liaises with many other community organisations.
About Harley Hayes
Harley is a leader in his chosen field of occupational therapy and is a dedicated mentor for other student occupational therapists. He is also passionate about supporting people with a disability to live their best life.
He works tirelessly to promote his profession and health and wellbeing in rural communities as well as the importance of access to rural health services.
He is a member of the Bendigo Mental Health Professional Steering Committee. He was Vice President of the Bendigo Occupational Therapy Student Association and a former board member of the Bendigo Student Association and former President of the La Trobe Rural Health Club and La Trobe Ambassador.
Harley volunteers for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and was the Allied Health Early Career Excellence award winner at the 2019 Australian Allied Health Awards.
