Well done to Olinda, Kalorama-Mount Dandenong and Sassafras-Ferny Creek Volunteer Fire Fighters who jointly organised the Ridge Top Brigades Family Fun and Information Day on Sunday 3 February. I was pleased to attend this wonderful event along with hundreds of local people who had the opportunity to learn how to better prepare themselves, their families and properties in the event of a fire.
In 2009, I initiated the Casey Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Awards to recognise, reward and encourage careers in local trades and small business. The apprentices and trainees of today will help form the backbone of our future small businesses and local economy.
I have long believed that we should be doing all we can to encourage and value excellence in our apprentices and trainees. I am proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2013 Casey Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Awards.
These awards are judged by an independent panel of prominent local business leaders that is chaired by Phil Munday of Phil Munday’s Panel Works.
I encourage you to nominate an outstanding local apprentice or trainee for an award.
Nominations have now closed.
Australia Day saw many celebrations being held throughout our wonderful country and our local community. I’d like to thank Wandin Rotary and Monbulk Rotary Clubs for asking me to be part of their breakfast celebrations. We reflected on national achievements as well as paying tribute to the local volunteers who work so hard within our community.
I was also honoured to join in welcoming fifty-one new citizens from across the Outer East and Yarra Valley at the Yarra Ranges Council Citizenship Ceremony in Chirnside Park.
Some very worthy local people were recently awarded National Volunteer Award Certificates. I was pleased to present awards to Lis Guldager-Nielsen from the Lilydale and District Community Information Centre and Shaun Caulfield from Lilydale SES. Both Lis and Shaun have been recognised for the many hours of voluntary work they have undertaken to help make our community a better place.
It was great to attend the official opening of the Warburton Bowling Club's new Green on Sunday afternoon.
The Club was worked incredibly hard to raise and secure the funds to upgrade their playing surface. The new Green was named in honour of two dedicated club stalwarts - Keith and Edna Thomas - whose dedication to the Club and Warburton township is legendary.
