Cardinia Shire 2021 Australia Day Award winners announced

The Australia Day 2021 award winners are: 

• Citizen of the year: Chris Rogers 
• Senior citizen of the year: Stan Hamilton 
• Young citizen of the year: Michael William Pearce 
• Community event of the year: Kids Fun Run With Thomas 

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brett Owen congratulated the winners and nominees, and thanked them for their commitment and important contributions to the Cardinia Shire community. 

“This evening we acknowledged and celebrated these outstanding Australians,” Cr Owen said.  

“This year’s Citizen of the Year Chris Rogers has been a volunteer with the Pakenham SES unit for 36 years. He goes above and beyond, not only attending local emergencies but also being deployed to assist in other parts of Victoria and across Australia.  

“Stan Hamilton is this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year. Stan has always contributed to his local community. Recently this CFA volunteer was recognised for 60 years of service to the Upper Beaconsfield CFA Brigade.  

“This year’s Young Citizen of the Year Michael William Pearce is a final year undergraduate majoring in physics at the University of Melbourne. Michael has contributed significantly to the broader community through his volunteer engagements, driven primarily by his passion for physics and the outdoors. 

“The Kids Fun Run With Thomas is this year’s Community Event of the Year and what an amazing event it is. The event is the signature fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Emerald and District and has raised more than $671,250 for children’s causes since 2002. 

“On behalf of the Cardinia Shire community and my fellow councillors – a big congratulations to all of the winners and keep up the wonderful work you are all doing to make Cardinia Shire such a great place.” 

For more information about the local Australia Day awards see: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay