Judy Martin named Pyrenees Citizen of the Year
Published on 27 January 2023
Lexton’s Judy Martin has been recognized for her outstanding work in the community by being named the Pyrenees Citizen of the Year.
Pyrenees Shire Council Mayor Cr Ron Eason announced the award at the Australia Day event at the Goldfields Recreation Reserve in Beaufort on Thursday.
Australia Day Awards were also presented for the Young Citizen of the Year, Event of the Year, and Leadership Award.
Cr Eason acknowledged Ms Martin’s tireless volunteer work in the Lexton community and beyond.
“When it comes to dedication to local community, our Citizen of the Year in 2023 has shone brightly over many years - from involvement in local sporting clubs to volunteering and countless acts of kindness and support for the good of the community,” said Cr Eason.
Cr Eason also noted Ms Martin’s monumental effort in documenting the events of the 2019 fires that resulted in the publication of Heat, Help and Healing: Lexton Ben-Major fire 2019.
“As coordinator and editor of this truly significant book, Judy has ensured that the events of that devastating fire - and even more importantly, the community spirit that it brought to the fore - will not be forgotten,” said Cr Eason.
Fourteen-year-old Beaufort high school student Ella Kerr received the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her academic achievements and impressive results in track and field.
Described as a quiet achiever, Ella’s long list of achievements include being named Best All-Round Sportswoman at Beaufort Secondary College and serving on the School Representative Council.
The Event of the Year was awarded to the Landsborough Public Hall Centenary celebration.
“It’s a particular pleasure to announce our Event of the Year, coming as it does on the back of two years where COVID restrictions have made it difficult for community events to take place,” said Cr Eason.
The event included a display of historical photos, furniture and other items arranged in decades stretching back to 1922.
“This was a special event where old friendships were renewed and many cherished memories relived,” Cr Eason said.
Winemaker Mark Summerfield was the recipient of the Pyrenees Leadership Award.
“Through his work with the Pyrenees Grape Growers and Winemakers organization, Mark has helped lift the profile of our region to make it the well-established wine-lovers destination it is today,” Cr Eason said.
The awards were presented by Australia Day Award Ambassador Dennis Banfield.
Addresses were also given by Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken MP and Pyrenees Shire Council CEO, Jim Nolan.
Three new Australian citizens - Ms Navya Gatla, Ms Katya Bowd and her daughter Miss Kaela Palacpac - were also welcomed at the event during a ceremony overseen by Cr Eason.
Following official proceedings, attendees were entertained by the Pyrenees Chorale and Beaufort Municipal Band, while children enjoyed a mobile zoo, airbrush tattooing, and Walk the Walls Parkour.
Photo: Australia Day Award Ambassador Dennis Banfield presents the Citizen of the Year Award to Judy Martin