Cardinia Shire Council’s 2022 Australia Day award winners have been announced.
This year’s winners are:
- Citizen of the Year joint winners: Philip Anning and Carol Thompson
- Senior Citizen of the Year: Ian Wake
- Young Citizen of the Year: Arshu Maskey
- Community Event of the Year: Cockatoo Country Market
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield congratulated the 2022 winners and nominees and thanked them for their valuable contribution to the Cardinia Shire community.
“On behalf of Cardinia Shire Council and the community, congratulations to our 2022 Australia Day award winners,” he said.
“We acknowledge and celebrate these amazing community members whose generous contributions help to enrich our community.
“They give of their time, energy and enthusiasm to make our shire an even better place to call home.”
Mayor Springfield said this year’s winners were once again chosen from a strong field of nominees.
The 2022 Citizen of the Year award was presented to joint winners Philip Anning and Carol Thompson.
“Both Philip and Carol have contributed so much to the local community, and both deserve to be recognised,” Mayor Springfield said.
“Philip is a strong advocate for the advancement of community sport and junior sport development.
As president of the Pakenham Cricket Club, he ensures the club fosters an inclusive competition, and he has tirelessly fundraised for charity.
“Carol has a long history of volunteering and has dedicated many hours to the Cockatoo RSL. She has worked with committee members to increase patronage and turnover and has been instrumental in establishing regular social events at the RSL.”
Cr Springfield said the 2022 Senior Citizen of the Year award was presented to Ian Wake.
“Ian, an active Rotarian for 50 years, has held a range of club leadership positions and is the first to lend a helping hand for their community projects, barbecues and working bees. He has been involved in the development of Rotary Park, raised funds for projects and chartered 2 Interact clubs and 2 Rotaract clubs.”
“Our Young Citizen of the Year is Arshu Maskey, who is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. She has been an active member of her secondary school, university and local community and has received a Monash PG Industry Experience Expo award for creating IT for social good during the pandemic.
“The 2022 Community Event of the Year is the Cockatoo Country Market, and what a fantastic market this is. Now in its seventh year, the market contributes to the ongoing support and development of community organisations via its Community Grants program, which has awarded more than $22,000 to local groups for a variety of projects.
“Congratulations to all of our 2022 Australia Day award winners. Thank you for your valuable contribution and keep up the great work!”
