G’DAY MATE
Casterton community celebrates Australia Day in style

27 January 2010

IAN LEWIS

AUSTRALIA Day is a big day in the itinerary of many people and yesterday was no exception as hundreds flocked to Island Park to snack on a free barbecue breakfast provided by the Glenelg Shire Council.

And people did not seem to mind waiting in the long queue for a bacon and egg muffin dished up by the 1st Casterton Scout Group or a piping hot cup of tea or coffee made by the friendly Spill the Beans staff.

Highlight of the morning was the raising of the Australia Flag at 9am followed by the address by Australia Day ambassador John Forbes.

The shire also announced its citizens of the year award, the first time it has chosen two people for the honour.

Portland’s Gail Jaensch and Graham Sealey received their awards at the Australia Day celebrations held in Portland yesterday

Mayor Gilbert Wilson said the committee had chosen two winners this year because the committee assessing the nominations felt the two were equally worthy and it was too difficult to choose only one recipient.

“Mr Sealey has made a significant contribution to the community in a number of ways including chairman of the South West Relay for Life organising committee for the past six years, and inaugural Mothers Day Classic last year; administrator of the Police Toy Fund; committee member and walker of Pete’s Walk and as the organiser of the Police Charity Golf Days for 10 years, to name just a few on his very impressive resume,” Cr Wilson said..

“He has also made a considerable contribution to local sport. as a member of the Portland Squash and Racquetball club since 1977, where he was awarded ‘Most Valuable Club Person Award’ in 1989 and 1994 and life membership in 2002. He has also held the position of Vice President of the Portland Swimming Club for two years and is now President.

“And if all that isn’t enough he has walked the Kokoda Track in July 2009 with four other Portland men as a fundraiser.

“In addition to these contributions, it is the endless work that he does behind the scenes that has made him a truly worthy recipient of this Award,” Cr Wilson concluded

Mrs Jaensch has been a volunteer for 14 years and opened the Portland Make a Wish Branch six years ago when it became known that there were children that were diagnosed with life threatening illnesses in our immediate area.

Mrs Jaensch is president of the Make a Wish Branch which covers the area from Portland to the SA border and to Colac, including Warrnambool and Princetown.

The group, which has 28 volunteers, has organised a number of activities to raise funds including a walk from Melbourne to Portland, the Amazing Race and the Wish upon a Star Ball held in February for the past six years.

Her list of duties is an indication of her care for the community and her willingness to help others.

Cr Wilson said he was proud to present these awards because they acknowledge individuals who are outstanding role models in our shire.