The Mitchell Shire community welcomed 18 new Australian citizens and announced five Community Award recipients in a ceremony held as part of Australia Day in Broadford today.

The official Council Australia Day event was hosted by the Rotary Club Southern Mitchell. Broadford was selected after an expression of interest process and has joined a significant number of other towns who have hosted the event over recent years.

Pictured: Our newest residents were joined by their friends and family at Broadford today as they officially became Australian citizens.

Norm Mason (pictured above with his wife Evelyn) is one of the Broadford Cemetery Trust’s longest serving members. He joined the Trust in 1989 and served as a committee member for more than three decades.

During his 32-year tenure, Norm held several positions including as coordinator of burials, secretary, treasurer and chairman. In fact, he is the longest serving chairman in the Trust’s recorded history. 

Norm ensured correct grave location and grave preparation and liaised with funeral directors and families. He secured many of the grants to improve the cemetery, especially the paving, cremation walls and IT equipment.

The rose garden at the Piper Street frontage to the cemetery was planned, planted and tended by Norm and his wife Evelyn for many years. He set new maintenance standards for the cemetery, and this high standard of care continues to drive Cemetery Trust members today.

Twelve-year-old Tatiana is committed to helping her community by assisting Kilmore Miniature Railway, where she has been a volunteer for more than three years, as well as the 1st Kilmore Joey Scout Group where she has been volunteering and a youth member for four years.

She gives her time regularly to these groups and is also a popular local soccer player.

Her quiet demeanour and commitment make her a worthy recipient of this award.

Love In Action has been providing support for people in Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and surrounding areas for more than six years.

The group began in Wallan from a lounge room where they were helping six families, and they now support more than 320 families by providing emergency non-perishable food, clothing and essential goods for anyone doing it tough, including people experiencing family violence and homelessness in the shire.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the group collaborated with Mickleham Sikh Volunteers to bring warm meals to people in need in Mitchell Shire, including culturally appropriate meals.

NOTE: Mitchell Multicultural Community Association (Access and Inclusion Champions) and Seymour Local Aboriginal Network (Community Event of the Year) were not present to accept their awards. Council will present the awards at a later stage.

Mitchell Shire Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, those of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri People. We pay our respects to their rich cultures and to Elders past and present.

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