By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CATHY Wieckmann has been named this year’s Casey Citizen of the Year.
Cathy and a number of other local residents were honoured at the annual Casey Australia Day Awards ceremony held on Tuesday night at the council chambers.
Cathy is the co-founder of Christians Helping in Primary Schools (CHIPS), which now has more than 500 volunteers across 34 Casey schools.
She also started up the Life Gets Better camps and Lead-on program, which encourages young people to be active members of their local community.
In addition Cathy manages the CHIPS Chaplaincy Program, now in 17 schools, and liaises with 14 chaplains and many mentors and volunteers.
Outside of CHIPS, she also supports various charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Thailand’s Zoe Orphanage Foundation.
Also recognised on the night were this year’s Casey Young Citizen of the Year Oliver Thomson, the Casey Senior Citizen of the Year Rick Beeby, the Casey Sportsperson of the Year Chandlar Felton, and the Casey Non-resident of Year Brianna Loves.
Meanwhile the Casey Community Event of the Year accolades were given to the Halloween Spooktacular Party and the Doveton Show.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz lauded the award recipients for their outstanding commitment to “civic life”.
“Many of you are actively involved in providing the opportunities that allow us all to enjoy the lifestyle we are celebrating today on Australia Day,” he said.
“I am honoured to see people like you at work in the community, seizing upon challenges and opportunities, filling needs and making things happen around you for the benefit of everyone,” Mayor Aziz said.
“As individual nominees and groups, you work quietly throughout the year, without fuss and without seeking recognition – driven to contribute to health, welfare, cultural and sporting opportunities and emergency response simply because you care.
“Your contribution to the City of Casey does not go unnoticed and as we celebrate Australia’s great history, we celebrate you all who will no doubt play a role in Australia’s bright future.”
