THE community gathered on Australia Day to celebrate and congratulate Alex Mair for winning the Rosewood Lions Citizen of the Year Award, while also acknowledging his fellow nominees Ben Abraham and Christine Forrest.
The Citizen of the Year Award ceremony was well attended by many families who enjoyed catching up with friends while acknowledging the three nominees for the special award.
Special guests, Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden and Crs Russell Milligan and Kate Kunzelmann were welcomed by Rosewood Lions President Dennis Kenyon.
The Club’s award co-ordinator Clyde Nicoll gave thanks to everyone in attendance, expressing his gratitude to the many volunteers who continue to make the community a better place.
“Australia Day is all about celebrating the things that we love about Australia, the land, the sense of fair go, the lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms, but particularly our people who contribute to our contemporary and dynamic nation.
“On this day more than half of all Australians participate in Australia Day events organised by State Governments, local councils, community groups or by getting together with family and friends.
“It is great to see so many families with us today to congratulate Alex, Ben and Christine who are our nominees for this special award, to be eligible for this award these nominees first had to fit a certain criterion.
“A judging panel who are independent of the Lions Club then review the applications with an emphasis on contribution to community, inspiration through being a role model and excellence in field.”
Ben, Christine and Alex were invited to take a seat at the front of the stage area, their nominations were read out, before President Dennis Kenyon presented them with a certificate.
A sealed envelope was then handed to President Dennis Kenyon, and with much anticipation it was opened to reveal Alex Mair as the winner of the award.
Taken aback and surprised, Alex stood to a huge applause as he took to the microphone to express his gratitude for the award.
“As a volunteer you just come out and work with people in your community and I think everyone needs to contribute to their community in their own way,” he said.
“I enjoy helping others as I see volunteering as an Australian ethos in many ways.
“By being involved and assisting others you make the community brighter.
“This was a big surprise and I am really grateful, congratulations to Ben and Christine also and I look forward to continuing my service for as long as I can.”
Alex was recognised for his work through the Rosewood Scouts Group and for his service with the Rosewood Uniting Church community.
