LONG-TIME Wedderburn Lions Club leader Jon Chandler has received the Loddon Shire’s ward citizen of the the year award.
Cr Gavan Holt made the presentation as almost 100 people gathered in Soldiers’ Memorial Park on Sunday.
He praised Jon’s community service that also includes secretary of the Donaldson Park committee of management.
“Jon has made a mark on Wedderburn through his volunteerism and leadership and is a key figure in the Wedderburn Lions Club, local committees and sporting clubs,” Cr Holt said.
“Jon’s contributions include organising events, maintaining community facilities.
“Jon dedicates his time to helping the community and is always willing to assist those in need. Known for his reliability and inclusivity, Jon’s years of service have strengthened and enriched the Wedderburn community.
Jon said he came to Wedderburn in 1997 to work for Loddon Shire for a year and stayed.
“My first community involvement was with our local theatre group, Warts n All where somehow, I found myself directing productions of Dimboola and Love Rides the Rails which were performed in various halls around the district – just like my Mum and Dad did at The Basin in the early 50s,” he said.
“I would like to thank all my fellow Lions members here today for their friendship, fellowship and the privilege of serving our community since the Club’s inception in 1978.
“I believe that you only get out of life what you put in and I have been extremely lucky to live in this remarkable community for the past 28 years.”
Guest speaker, local sportsman Louis Holt shared his experiences of competing as a motor mechanic representing Australia at international events in Japan and plans to return for a third time this October.
The shire’s Young Citizen of the Year Tyson Blair was presented with his award during the Wedderburn celebrations where Lions club members prepared healthy fruit platters.
The customary club barbecue was already cooking up sausages for sale at nearby Donaldson Park where the harness racing cup meeting started after lunch.