Citizen of the Year
Patrick Dillon has spent decades restoring the decency in humanity and items unique to Lake Boga.
He joins a small treasured list of citizens from the Swan Hill region to be named Citizen of the Year at Riverside Park on Australia Day.
“An outstanding leader and inspiration not only to his family, Patrick Dillon’s generosity is also known to friends, the local community and hundreds of people across regional Victoria, New South Wales, Australia and overseas,” his citation read.
Mr Dillon spent a lifetime working and volunteering in the Swan Hill and Lake Boga areas, specifically in community and social welfare services, volunteering as a respite care provider for senior members in he community.
For more than 15 years, he has provided respite care and support for male clients, specifically retired farmers having difficulties dealing with emotional, mental and physical challenges.
“As a trained mental health professional, and with a background in primary production, Patrick has a sound understanding of the emotional, financial and seasonal challenges faced by men and women working and living in rural areas,” the citation read.
“He uses this knowledge to engage with clients, getting them involved in activities that provide relief and relaxation.
“He helps them adjust to the process of ageing, dealing with depression, anxiety and sickness, and supports their general health and wellbeing.”
Mr Dillon also volunteers time and money to the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, where he owns and displays many rare exhibits, and has restored many items that are unique to Lake Boga.
Young Citizen of the Year
Chasing a dream can be a long but rewarding road, something the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year winner knows all too well.
Swan Hill College graduate James Schifferle was honoured at Riverside Park where his sacrifices were well documented.
The 18-year-old worked hard to be accepted into a Computer Science degree at La Trobe University, a goal he set while spending countless hours at his school desk.
Often the youngster would stay behind and work until 7pm every day, his dream of heading to Melbourne to study a driving force behind his high distinctions at school for three years.
Mr Schifferle said it was a good feeling to receive the award.
“I didn’t really expect this. It is massive and I am proud of everything I have been able to achieve this past year,” he said.
“It does feel great to be recognised. It has been a lot of work for the things I get and I have had to make a few sacrifices.
“It has taken a lot of long nights at school, staying back, but it has all paid off.
Community Event of the Year
Mallee Cruisers Car Club (MCCC) have received the Community Event of the Year award for 2016 at the Australia Day celebrations at Riverside Park yesterday.
The group of local car enthusiasts, who only formed the club in 2014, have already raised $33,000 for local mental health services.
The Cruze is an annual family fun day which includes a vehicle display, activities for children and a car-based scavenger hunt through Swan Hill. During the hunt, participants are assigned one of four routes and were required to collect various items and answer questions along the way.
The 2016 fundraiser saw more than 100 families take part, and as a result, $20,000 was raised with proceeds distributed to the wellbeing teams at Swan Hill College, St Mary MacKillop College and Swan Hill Specialist School. Helping Assisting Local Tradies (HALT) also benefited.
MCCC president Tim Purtill was humbled to receive the award and highlighted the effort of the entire club as well as the community who supported the event.
“The event is only possible because of the work of club members and is only successful due to the support of the community,” he said.
To read more about the winners and for more Australia Day coverage, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (January 27).
