The Bass Coast Australia Day Awards were announced, and presented, as part of the Australia Day celebrations on Thursday, 26 January 2012.
Ceremonies were held at both Wonthaggi and Cowes and other celebrations held in various locations across the Shire.
The 2012 Bass Coast Shire Council Australia Day Award winners were:
Neville Goodwin - Citizen of the Year
Neville has been an active member of the Bass Coast community for over 30 years. Not only has he served as a Councillor for both the Shire of Bass and Bass Coast Shire Council, including four consecutive years as Mayor, he has devoted much of his personal time to assisting others in any way he can. He is always there to help anyone in a time of need and his catch cry “leave it with me” is always followed through.
Neville has had many leadership roles with numerous community groups and organisations across not only Bass Coast but the wider Gippsland region; too many to mention individually.
He continues to work at a grass roots level as a volunteer in many different avenues. Happy to get in and get his hands dirty to get the job done. He is an organiser and a motivator, excelling at getting others ‘on board’ to achieve successful outcomes.
He is also continually successful at obtaining sponsorship, grants and donations to assist in fundraising efforts for various Bass Coast charities and events.
Neville is a highly respected member of the Bass Coast community, whose tireless work, dedication and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of others is to be admired.
Holly du Plessis - Young Citizen of the Year
Holly has been a significant contributor to Inverloch, and surrounding areas, for much of her life, despite her young age.
She is a fantastic role model; educating, mentoring and protecting both locals and tourists of all ages through her involvement with the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club.
Holly is a natural leader and has been appointed to leadership positions within the Surf Life Saving Club to reflect this. She has also been granted many training and development opportunities and has gained numerous qualifications; allowing her to be more active and gain further experience. Holly has also volunteered her time to act as first aid officer at various community events, including the food and wine festival and billy cart derby.
Holly is a part of the Phillip Island Swim Club, and a keen netballer and umpire with the Inverloch-Kongwak Netball Club. She has been appointed various leadership roles at Newhaven College, including year 9 Vice Captain, House Vice Captain, and is a member of the College’s fundraising team. Holly has been offered a position in Sports and Exercise Science at the Australian Catholic University as part of their Early Achievers Program, recognising her outstanding community involvement.
Nikki van Dijk - Sports Person of the Year
Nikki is a high achieving local surfer who has already achieved remarkable results. She is the Australian Under 18 Champion, Victorian Under 18 Champion and Victorian Open Champion and also came third in the World Under 18 Championship.
Nikki is a great role model for her sport, working hard to achieve her goals. She is dedicated to her training and the future looks bright for Nikki, with no doubt she will be challenging on the world circuit.
Nikki is level headed and a wonderful young sports ambassador, encouraging others to follow their dreams to reach their potential. She gracefully handles the pressures of her sport; the travelling the successes and the disappointments.
Nikki has grown up in Bass Coast, attending Cowes Primary School and Newhaven College. She is also a valued and respected member of the Phillip Island Board Riders Club.
The future looks bright for Nikki.
Kirk Skinner - Arts and Cultural Ambassador of the Year
Kirk is a fine local musician who is recognised nationally. He is dedicated to the arts and is an inspiration to young musicians, through his leadership, encouragement and energy. Despite his own personal success he has never forgotten his roots and continues to contribute to the arts locally through his involvement with Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, tutoring and mentoring and through financial support.
Kirk is never too busy to provide leadership, advice and guidance gained through his experiences locally, nationally and internationally. He is friendly, energetic and always willing to give his time, skills and knowledge to foster arts and culture within Bass Coast. He is highly respected and sought after for his passion and leadership.
Kirk is a hands-on person who believes in the strength and adversity, the friendliness and the generosity of people who promote the arts.
San Remo Channel Challenge - Community Event of the Year
The San Remo Channel Challenge has been going for 26 consecutive years, starting in 1985.
The Channel Challenge is a race from the San Remo jetty, where the challengers swim 500 metres across the channel under the Phillip Island bridge followed by a 2.5km run back across the bridge to the finish line in San Remo.
The event is not only a great fundraising opportunity but provides a safe, controlled environment for a great competition.
The Channel Challenge is accessible for all levels of experience and ability and provides a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family.
The longevity, popularity and continued growth of the event demonstrates its success. The event raises much needed funds for local voluntary organisations, including the Surf Life Saving Club and Lions Club, both of which put this money back in the community.
Beth Banks - Environmental Ambassador of the Year
Beth demonstrates leadership through action, committing time, intelligence, energy and determination. She has an extensive community and business network and encourages others with her excitement and can-do attitude.
Beth has a professional background in nursing and teaching. She regularly supervises school, TAFE, mental health groups and other community groups in community planting and education sessions.
Beth has been an integral part in the coordination of numerous community projects, ensuring the participation of local community groups, schools students, university and TAFE students and various other volunteers.
Beth is involved in numerous community groups and organisations focusing on environmental sustainability.
She has also been a founding member of various environmental initiatives, including the Wonthaggi Seed Bank and Wonthaggi Urban Landcare.
Thomas and Marjorie Beaton - Family Achievement Award
Tom and Marj have made an outstanding contribution to the Bass Coast community over more than 50 years, and have passed their community mindedness onto their two daughters, Sue and Kaye.
Their tireless efforts have gone above and beyond their paid employment and their community focus is commendable.
Tom has been involved in the initiation of Masonic Lodge, has held numerous Committee positions on local sporting Clubs, was a member of the Cowes Ambulance Service for 46 years and was awarded a Life Governor. He is also a Life Governor of the Cowes Bush Nursing Hospital and an Honorary Member of the Phillip Island Rotary Club.
Tom has been awarded a Community Services Award and has been recognised for 50 years as a Justice of the Peace.
Marj was an original Committee member of the Cowes Ambulance Service, has held various executive positions, including the Warley Hospital Board, Phillip Island Ladies Masonic lodge Auxiliary and various sporting Clubs to name a few. She has coordinated the Good Friday Appeal Collection for Phillip Island for more than 12 years and is a Life Governor of the Wonthaggi Hospital, Warley Hospital, Masonic Homes and Royal Children’s Hospital.
Tom and Marj were both awarded a Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments Centenary Medal in 2003 in recognition of their contribution to the Australian Society.