Happy Australia Day! Why not take this opportunity to join in the celebrations taking place across the Shire this week.

Australia Day gives us the opportunity to recognise and congratulate some very special Australians in our community through the Australia Day Awards. There are Australia Day celebrations taking place across the Shire, with the larger celebrations being held in Wonthaggi and Cowes.

Our Australia Day ambassadors, Elizabeth Chong and Shane Hills, are speaking in Cowes and Wonthaggi respectively.

Elizabeth Chong will share stories of her life, coming from China at age three and becoming an Australian celebrity chef. Shane Hills, founder of the chocolate company Koko Black, will share insights into his life with those in Wonthaggi.

I’m sure both Shane and Elizabeth will share some inspirational thoughts about being involved in community life.

The event kicks off in Wonthaggi at 7.30am with a free community breakfast, followed by the citizenship ceremony and presentation of the Australia Day Awards.

Celebrations start at 10.30am in Cowes with a free brunch, citizenship ceremony and again the presentation of the Australia Day awards.

There are also celebrations in Inverloch, Corinella, Glen Alvie, Pound Creek, Pioneer Bay and Kernot. For more information you can log onto www.basscoast.vic.gov.au or check your local paper.

I encourage everyone in the community to come along to one of the Australia Day events across the Shire and join in the celebrations.

On my radio show this week I interview Terry Ashenden, Bass Coast Citizen of the Year award winner from 2010. Terry speaks about being an award winner and what it means to him. The show runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am and 4.30pm, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch it. To check the frequency in your area, log onto www.3mfm.com.au
 

Cr Veronica Dowman, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council