Australia Day was celebrated with style on Sunday with fireworks and citizen of the year ceremonies in Hume.
The council, among the most culturally diverse in Australia, paid homage to its finest people, who have inspired others through their efforts to build stronger, more resilient societies.
Craigieburn State Emergency Service stalwart Kevin O’Callaghan, 63, received the top gong as Hume’s 2014 citizen of the year after dedicating more than 30 years of volunteer service to support locals during emergencies.
Hume mayor Casey Nunn, herself a former ‘young citizen of the year, said
Mr O’Callaghan had a long and proud
history of serving the community as spiritual leader and, more than three decades ago, as a founding member of the Craigieburn SES unit.
“Kevin O’Callaghan is a highly deserved recipient of the 2014 Hume citizen of the year award,” Cr Nunn said.
“He is modest in his tireless efforts in his role as unit controller, where he has significantly contributed with the provision
of vital emergency services to the community.’’
Mr O’Callaghan, who recently retired from the Department of Defence after 35 years’ service, has a long list of accolades and awards, including the prestigious Emergency Service Medal, National Service Medal and Australian Defence Force Medal.
He’s a member of the Craigieburn volunteer ambulance committee and led the formation of the Craigieburn Anzac Day organising committee, which now runs an annual service attended by more than 1500 people.
Talented Craigieburn boxer Michael Zerafa, 21, was named Hume young citizen of the year for his dedication to inspiring others to lead healthier, more active lives.
Sunbury Community Street Life festival gained the title of Hume’s community event of the year.
It was held on November 24 last year, closing local streets to traffic and opening up the town for the community to shop locally and support its traders.
HELEN GRIMAUX
