By Brendan Rees
City of Casey celebrated outstanding individuals and groups who share a common goal in helping the community at the 2019 Casey Australia Day Awards.
Council held a special ceremony on Australia Day at Bunjil Place to announce the recipients of this year’s awards, as well as acknowledge all the worthy nominees across the four categories.
Mellissa McIlroy was named the Casey Citizen of the Year for her dedication with Christians Helping in Primary Schools (CHIPS) since 2001, initially as a volunteer and then as an employee.
Ms McIlroy said it was “really overwhelming” to take out the prestigious award.
She praised the 300-400 volunteers within her team saying “they really are the ones that make everything happen.”
“The passion is obviously bringing hope, and a sense of belonging, and value to children who have experienced trauma and also to their families,” she said.
“We’re positive as a community to start to change the road those children may end up taking.”
Casey Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Morrie Hartman.
He is a current volunteer with the Office of the Public Advocate in two of their volunteer programs, the Community Guardian Program and the Independent Third Person Program.
“I was flabbergasted,” Mr Hartman said. “I was grateful to be nominated.”
“The opportunity to help people less fortunate than yourself, it gives me great satisfaction.”
Nancy Loomba took out the Casey Young Citizen of the Year. Ms Loomba is a project officer for Disability Employment Services, where she supports people with disability to get job ready, find a role right for them and offers post placement support.
The 24-year-old said she honoured in receiving the award, adding she loved “giving back to the community.”
The ACE Foundation was announced the 2019 Casey Community Group of the Year for their work in supporting students who are experiencing significant challenges in their educational pursuits.
Cindy Warren was also awarded Highly Commended in the Citizen of the Year category for her tireless charity work with Share the Dignity; supporting women who cannot afford to buy basic hygiene products.
“I was absolutely blown away when my name was read out,” she said. “I was not expecting it to be honest.”
“There are many people out there that do such great amazing things in the community; it’s really lovely to be recognised.
“People have been dropping in donations, it’s been fantastic,” Ms Warren said.
