CONTRIBUTING to the community to make a difference is what has driven Geoff Thomas’ involvement in Loddon organisations for decades.
The Dingee Bush Nursing Centre president was among the first of seven shire residents to receive awards at community celebrations on Sunday.
He was presented with the shire’s Terrick Ward citizen of the year award by Mayor Dan Straub.
Hundreds of people attended local celebrations from breakfasts in the morning to a pool party that evening in Pyramid Hill where shire Citizen of the Year Ian Bartels was presented with his award certificate and badge.
At Dingee, the East Loddon Lions Club and other volunteers had eggs and bacon cooking on the barbecue by 8am and Australian flags were flying in the town Progress Park.
Cr Straub told the crowd that Geoff embodied community spirit, serving Dingee and Mitiamo through volunteer roles with the CFA, sporting clubs and local organisations. 
“His efforts have included maintaining the Dingee Bush Nursing Centre and Uniting Church, lobbying for the Mitiamo pipeline and supporting numerous community projects.
“Geoff volunteers countless hours maintaining the bush nursing centre and its grounds, coordinating external service providers and organising any required repairs or maintenance for the centre.
“This award recognises Geoff for his exceptional contributions, which have positively impacted many lives and made a remarkable difference in his community.”
Mr Thomas said he had been honoured by the award but also felt a little awkward.
“You don’t do things to be seen. You just see them and do it, hoping you can make a difference. And if you do make a difference, then all the better,” he said.
“That’s been my appropach - if there is something that needs doing you hop in.”
And Mr Thomas shared the story as a seven-year-old having his tonsils removed at the old Pyramid Hill hospital. “They were fixing the generator outside my room. One of the men allowed me to come out and have a look. That man was Ian Bartels.” 
-CHRIS EARL