Australia Day Award winners 2022

Published on 27 January 2022

Australia Day this year involved the recognition of some wonderful Pyrenees residents.

Mayor Ron Eason was proud to present the Pyrenees Leadership Award to Hayden Pilgrim, for his ongoing commitment to the Homebush and Avoca communities.

“Hayden is one of the finest examples of volunteerism we have seen in our community,” Cr Eason said.

“There’s not too many groups, committees or activities that he and wife Marg haven’t been involved with or supported in some way,” he said.

This year’s Citizen of the Year is Lynelle Day, a stalwart of the Beaufort community whose kindness knows no bounds.

“Lynelle’s the first to put her hand up to support the football club, the community in times of need, and to bake a much-needed meal for someone having a hard time,” Cr Eason said.

“Lynelle’s recognition today is on top of her Life Membership of the Beaufort Football Club and Life Membership of the Central Highlands Football League,” he said.

The Young Citizen of the Year is Lilliana Abel of Waubra, recognised for her commitment to the Waubra Rural Fire Brigade.

“Lilliana signed up as a volunteer as soon as she was eligible, committing and fighting fires locally and elsewhere,” Cr Eason said.

“Lilliana has been working as an event first responder while studying paramedicine and also working as a COVID-tester,” he said.

Council awarded an Organisation of the Year award to the Beaufort Municipal Band for their ongoing commitment to the region.

Avoca and Beaufort Food Pantries were named as COVID Heroes for their response to growing need in the community.

Moonambel Arts and History Group was also acknowledged with a COVID Hero award for their commitment to supporting the arts.

The day’s events also included an address by Australia Day Ambassador Claude Lombard OAM.

The crowd heard about the entrepreneur’s life and philanthropy, leading his business through 50 years of challenges and opportunities to be one of Australia’s largest suppliers of party, packaging and events products. Claude is very community focussed, championing causes for communities for the past 30 years.

Mayor Ron Eason supported six residents to become Australian Citizens.

Children were entertained with a jumping castle, airbrush tattooing, face painting and Jamie and Kim’s Mobile Zoo.