Portland recognised its most dedicated citizens and its most successful sportspeople at its Australia Day event on Saturday, January 26.
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John Kearns announced the award recipients, while Mayor Ray Thompson and Australia Day Ambassador Scott McGregor were on hand to present the awards to the winners.
Citizen of the year
Gary O'Reilly was named Portland’s Citizen of the Year for his involvement in organisations around the town.
Mr O’Reilly is a tireless worker for Portland and is involved in many organisations including the Men’s Shed, Wallnuts and more.
“If anybody ever needs any help, Gary is always there. He is a fitting choice for our citizen of the year,” John Kearns said.
Young Citizen of the year
Austin Bradley has been recognised as the Young Citizen of the year at Portland’s Australia Day ceremony.
According to John Kearns, Mr Bradley was chosen because of his ongoing work with the Fusion youth centre, the elderly and other organisations.
“I wasn’t expecting this award because there are a lot of people in this town who do a lot of good, so it’s an honour,” Mr Bradley said.
Community event of the year
The Foundations Portland pop up markets and monthly markets received the community event of the year, with Rich and Kelly Evans taking home the award for their hard work.
“Richard and Kelly Evans have been the main stay behind this event,” Mr Kearns said.
Sporting Event of the year
Portland Touch Football Association was presented with the sporting event of the year award for their annual Nick Way Memorial Knockout.
The Portland Touch Football Association has been going for many years in Portland, but for the past few years they have had the Nick Way Memorial in memory of a real good player with the football who passed away sadly at a young age.
“It is nice that he is recognised in this way, it receives great support great and far,” Mr Kearns said.
Recognition award
The Portland Art Society received a recognition award for its longevity and high acclaim.
“The art show has been going for over 43 years, it is a a wonderful exhibition and has received high acclaim from near and far and it is an ongoing wonderful event,” Mr Kearns said.
Recognition award for outstanding service to SES
Kim Phillips received a big cheer when she received the award for her hard work with State Emergency Services (SES).
“Kim is a great worker for the state emergency service and other organisations and we acknowledge you today,” Mr Kearns said.
Achievement Award
"We like to recognise young achievers and one particular one this year was from Portland Central School, Jayden Rhodes,” Mr Kearns said.
Jayden couldn’t attend the ceremony so little brother Brodie Rhodes accepted the award on his behalf.
Jayden Rhodes received the 2018 Caltex Best All Rounder Award for excellence in studies, sport and work in the community.
Sports awards:
St Joseph’s
For the second year in a row Mia Dunleavy received a sporting award for her hard work in swimming.
“This one keeps popping up each year she is doing well with her swimming,” Mr Kearns said.
Mia received this award for her part in the St Joseph’s Diocesan Relay Team and being a State representative in swimming.
Mia’s partners in the St Joseph’s Diocesan Relay team, Yasmine Turner, Libby Bailey and Annika Taylor were were also awarded for their work.
Another sportsperson from St Joseph, Taylor Bennett, was recognised for her consistent representation in sport.
Nate Green was awarded for representing in athletics and cricket but was unable to attend the ceremony.
Portland Central
Nikera Hann received an award for her cricket representative for Western Division at State level.
Miss Hann had never played cricket until her selection but said she was enjoying the new sport.
“I am excited to play everything and give it all a go,” she said at the time of her selection.
Joshua Moffitt was also awarded for swimming but couldn’t attend the ceremony.
Read more: Girls selected for state cricket
Special award
A surprise presentation was then made to Portland Australia Day co-ordinator John Kearns for his constant help and assistance in running events such as Australia Day and ANZAC day.
“Thanks, it’s much appreciated, look the only work I do is for everybody in the community, the main thing is if we get support for what we do then that’s the gratification,” John Kearns said.
“Once again I am appreciative of the award and thank you very much.”
Acknowledgement
Organisers of The Portland Australia Day also recognised the Ambassador for spending his Australia Day in the local area.
A few kids to came forward to present award which was a sketch of the old bottle kilns from the Portland Foundations and a mug of the 60th anniversary of the old swimming pool.
“Thank you so much, I really enjoyed coming out to Portland,” Mr McGregor said.
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