Ian Mackenzie has been named Citizen of the Year at Meander Valley Council’s Australia Day Awards celebration.

Mr Mackenzie has contributed extensively to the Meander Valley community, undertaking voluntary work with a number of organisations including Rural Youth, the Forest Hall Badminton Club and the Bracknell Primary School, Fire Brigade and Football Club.

He has also provided support for a number of local events such as AGFEST and the Westbury Irish Festival.

He has also served the community as a Meander Valley Councillor.

“Mr Mackenzie (Macca) has undertaken an extraordinary number of volunteer hours over the years and is a generous, hardworking and dedicated member of our community.

This award is well deserved,” Mayor Wayne Johnston said.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Fayth Drury who has been a mentor for other young people in Meander Valley and a great role model.

Fayth has made meaningful contributions to the community, undertaking a number of volunteer roles with the Youth Arts Alliance, Camps Tasmania, the Young Carers Group and the Youth Climate Action Forum.

“Fayth has also provided support for a number of Council run programs and community events such as Winter Fire.

“She is positive, respectful and inclusive and above all, she gets involved and has a go. She is a true inspiration to others,” Mayor Johnston said.

The Meander Progress Association and the Meander Hall Committee received the Community Event of the Year Award for their fireworks night that literally lit up the rural township.

“This jointly run event really brought people together and everyone rallied to make the evening a huge success. It was wonderful to see new community members working alongside long-standing residents,” Mayor Johnston said.

Alex Aylott and Chris Gard were both awarded the Meander Valley Sports Award.

Chris Gard was recognised for the development of Deloraine’s Inclusion Table Tennis initiative and Alex Aylott for his contribution to the development of junior football and for establishing skills clinics across the north of the state.

“Both of our Sports Award recipients have been recognised for their ongoing contribution to local sporting clubs, particularly their demonstration to lead, mentor and encourage others to reach their full potential and gain a sense of belonging,” Mayor Johnston said.

Eight volunteers from the Meander Valley were also recognised for their efforts, receiving awards for 1000 hours, 3000 hours and exceptional service to the community.

“Each year I am humbled to present these awards. They reflect dedication, commitment and the inspiring spirit of Meander Valley.

“Thank you to all who have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to serve others. This strengthens our community and your selflessness makes me proud to represent the municipality”, Mayor, Wayne Johnston said.

Meander Valley also welcomed eleven new citizens at the event.