Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year announced
Published on 24 January 2019
A Murrabit resident who has served his community for seven decades and a dedicated Cohuna teenager have claimed Gannawarra Shire Council’s highest citizenship honours.
Dick Walters was named Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year and Kaila Wilson presented with Council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award during a civic reception held at Kerang last night.
Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said both Dick and Kaila have both made an outstanding contribution to the community.
“Congratulations to Dick and Kaila for receiving their respective awards, and to all the nominees for their continued generosity and contribution,” she said.
Gannawarra Shire Council Citizen of the Year for 2019, Dick Walters has been a pillar of the Murrabit community since the early 1950s, serving on numerous committees including the town’s social club, tennis club, golf club, fire brigade, group school council, Anglican Church Vestry, heritage group and Men’s Shed. A retired citrus grower, Dick represented the industry on numerous growers’ group and irrigators associations.
“Dick’s service has been of great benefit to the community through the establishment of new groups, infrastructure and services that have broad community effort, as well as through compassionate causes such as Legacy and Meals on Wheels where his genuine interest and care for fellow citizens shines through,” Mayor Learmonth said.
Gannawarra Shire Council’s Young Citizen of the Year, Kaila Wilson has been a FreeZa committee member for the past four years, assisting with the planning and running of youth-related events in the community. Kaila has served on the Cohuna Secondary College Student Representative Council for the past four years, has participated in the college’s Future Leaders program and volunteers with the Cohuna Leo’s to wrap, organise and prepare Christmas hampers for those that struggle during this time of year.
“Kaila’s commitment to her volunteering efforts whilst finding time to study and undertake three part-time jobs is a credit to both her and the community,” Mayor Learmonth said.
“Council congratulates both winners and we look forward to seeing Dick and Kaila continue to achieve great things for the community in the future.”