Colac Otway Shire Council would like to congratulate the 2022 Colac Otway Community Award recipients, who were officially recognised on the main stage at today’s Colac Kana Festival.
“It was fantastic for the community to be able to come together today and celebrate the achievements of some remarkable people in our region,” said Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kate Hanson. “One of the best things about living in our shire is the community spirit and each of these worthy recipients are leading lights in this respect – thank you for the important work you have done, and are doing, in our community.”
Citizen of the Year – Ivan McCallum
Described as a quiet achiever, Citizen of the Year 2022 Ivan McCallum has been rolling up his sleeves for over 30 years through volunteer leadership roles. He has added positively to the value of the Colac Community through projects including for Apex, the Lions Club of Colac and the Colac Pastoral and Agricultural Society.
“His honesty, hard work and excellent leadership skills have earnt him the respect and admiration of those who know and serve with him,” said nominator Lyn Russell.
Ivan has served as Apex President for the South West District and was a very active Apex member since joining in June 1990, becoming a life member in 2010.
Some projects he was involved with over this time included the Botanic Gardens Playground, the raised walking pathway and bridge over the Barongarook Creek and the reconstruction and maintenance of Selwyn Park (Cnr Church and Chapel Streets).
He joined the Lions Club of Colac in 2013 and continues to serve, mowing lawns at the Mercy Aged Care facility for the past 7 years. He was also responsible for the establishment of the Lions Shed in the old Apex Shed in Wilson Street, was involved in the Food Van Project and also with the Lions Club train “Stumpy”.
He has been a well-respected Lions Club Vice President, President, Treasurer and Zone 7 Chairperson over the years, as well as receiving many prestigious awards for his service with the organisation.
For 15 years, Ivan was also the volunteer coordinator of show gate admissions for the Colac Pastoral and Agricultural Society, in a role he continues, as well as being President of the Colac Kana Festival in 2019.
Community Service of the Year – Leanne Callahan
Community Service of the Year recipient Leanne Callahan, a full-time dairy farmer, took some convincing when asked for her consent to be nominated.
“She’s a true, silent, superstar achiever in her volunteer work,” said nominator Vicki Gottliebsen. “Her insistence on not publicly acknowledging her efforts shows me the true sense she has for helping others. Instead of recognition or reward, she sees the giving and achieving as the reward.”
“However, I, along with other members of our community, believe that her ongoing efforts deserve this public recognition.”
Leanne has assisted the homeless, near homeless, and disadvantaged in our region as a volunteer, as well as supporting the needs of pets of the homeless within Colac.
She has personally and regularly delivered much-needed items, as well as coordinated online resources accessible by those in critical need.
She has also assisted residents to pack and move during times of crisis, coordinating temporary accommodation and supplies for community members unable to receive immediate assistance from local resources. This has included her cooking fresh hot meals and pastries and delivering them to families in need.
She is also active in coordinating an Action Group for the homeless within Colac, which was an important resource to them during COVID winters.
Leanne has actively participated and coordinated many events, fundraisers and meetings within the region. Her catering efforts have also been received by groups from Barwon Downs through to local Colac support initiatives – including making sandwiches for schools to large-scale function catering.
She also participated in the launch of the Soup for the Soul initiative at the Colac Neighbourhood House and is an active volunteer for the Barwon Downs CFA, recognised for bravely fighting the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires.
“Leanne’s desire to remain a quiet achiever could not remain for much longer,” said Vicki. “Her brilliant efforts needed to be exposed and appreciated by our community as a whole.”
Young Citizen of the Year – Sohail Ali
Despite juggling Year 12 studies, COVID pressures and numerous other commitments, Young Citizen of the Year Sohail Ali stepped up for the Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club to coach a junior team – without any prior experience.
Although lacking first-hand knowledge, he more than made up for his shortfall in attitude. His legendary ‘fun-first, win-second’ coaching style saw the players always leaving the ground smiling and laughing.
This was the first Under 12s team the club had fielded in three seasons, with only 2 of the 15 players having any soccer experience prior to the season. And although they began the season losing by double figure results, a couple of games were won by the end of the season.
No matter what the result on the scoreboard, opposition coaches and parents often commented on the players great attitudes under Sohail’s guidance.
Alongside coaching, he has always assisted the committee and volunteered where possible, including more organisational / administrative roles in recent months.
Sport is extremely important for this age group for physical, mental and social health and to encourage young people into soccer who had never played before is a great achievement that will have a butterfly effect on their lives, and on our community.
As nominator and former president of Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club said: “I can say with confidence the club will have a bright future with Sohail involved.”
