13 January, 2015
MOORABOOL SHIRE 2016 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Moorabool Shire Council presented the 2016 Australia Day Award Recipients at the Australia Day
Ceremony held on Tuesday 26 January, 2016. The recipients are as follows:
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Community Event of the Year – Coimadai Memorial Park Opening
Young Citizen of the Year – Steven Tandy
Citizen of the Year – Marlene Burvill
Mayor’s Award – Nathan Ratcliffe
Community Event of the Year 2016 - Coimadai Memorial Park Opening
The Coimadai Memorial Park Opening was organised by the Coimadai Avenue of Honour Restoration
Association Inc. and held on 27 June, 2015. The event was a partial re-enactment of the dedication
of the original avenue in 1918, since lost under the waters of Merrimu Reservoir. The park and
replacement Avenue of Honour provided a fitting recognition for the volunteers from the area that
gave so much during their service to WW1. As the Chairman pointed out, Coimadai provided 129
volunteers to the war, from a population that numbered 326 on the 1911 census.
Young Citizen of the Year 2016 - Mr Steven Tandy
Steven is a young filmmaker, and his commitment to his career is creating positive outcomes for
Moorabool. Steven uses his filmmaking to educate, help and entertain people, raise social issues
and to provide an outlet for his creative expression. Steven has made a number of films, including a
short documentary focusing on the history of the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, a documentary
on the need for, and ease of blood donating and has interviewed descendants of those named on
the trees at the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, creating a permanent record of their
recollections.
Steven has directed his own short film script called “Yesterday’s News”, which was filmed entirely
in a Bacchus Marsh petrol station. The film focused on and raised questions about youth violence
and the different lifestyles young people can choose, and the consequences of those decisions.
Steven was awarded the Director’s Choice Award in Sacramento, USA for his achievement with the
film, which has now been picked up for international distribution.
Steven has written, produced and directed a new narrative short film called “Strays”, which is a film
about young outcasts and family. The film has been shot entirely in Bacchus Marsh, and used local
actors and other local talent from the district.
For media enquiries, please contact Genevieve Clark, Council’s Communications/Public Relations Officer via email on
mediaenquiries@moorabool.vic.gov.au or telephone on (03) 5366 7100 for additional information.
Steven has also written a new full length movie script called ‘The Black Dogs We Carry’, which deals
with depression, anxiety and the murky world of dog fighting, drugs and disaffected suburban youth.
It is also a triumphant script about the redeeming power of love, friendship and relationships of all
kind. This script has won several major awards.
Steven was one of the co-creators and organisers of an alternate art festival called “The Fruits of
the Loom” held in Bacchus Marsh in June 2015. This festival allowed different artists in Moorabool
to showcase their talents in filmmaking, music, photography and writing.
Citizen of the Year 2016 - Ms Marlene Burvill
Ms Burvill was nominated for her contributions to volunteer organisations in Shire, including:
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Ballan Aged/Nursing Care – 20 years volunteer
Ballan Meals on Wheels – 20 years volunteer
Ballan Hospital Auxiliary – 20 years volunteer
Ballan Hospital Op Shop – 15 years volunteer
Ballan CFA Auxiliary – 10 years volunteer
Mt Wallace CFA – 20 years volunteer
DJHS Palliative Care – 15 years volunteer
Ballan Palliative Care – 15 years volunteer
Ballan Red Cross – 12 years volunteer
Uniting Church (Ballan) – 58 years volunteer
Mt Wallace Tennis Club – 20+ years volunteer
Mayor’s Award - Mr Nathan Ractliffe
Mr Ratcliffe was nominated for contributions to the Country Fire Authority. Nathan is currently
Captain of the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade. He is the Deputy Group Officer of the Bacchus Marsh
Fire Brigades Group, and is an active member of the Victoria Police Force, currently serving as a
Detective. Nathan has been instrumental in working with Victoria Police and other stakeholders to
create a zero tolerance policy in fire danger periods, resulting in reductions of illegal burn-off in fire
restriction periods. He has participated in a range of major fire brigade projects and in multiple
community fundraisers. Nathan was also instrumental in the process of developing the core values
of the Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade which are integrity, family, respect, safety, mateship,
development and community.
For media enquiries, please contact Genevieve Clark, Council’s Communications/Public Relations Officer via email on
mediaenquiries@moorabool.vic.gov.au or telephone on (03) 5366 7100 for additional information.
Certificate of Achievement – Community Event of the Year
 Ballan Arboretum Launch – This event involved an interactive walk in Ballan to view arboretum
design concepts, and the launch of the publication ‘Ballan Arboretum’.
 Bacchus Marsh EasterFest – This event was recognised for celebrating diversity within the Shire,
nurturing community, and contributing positively to the profile of Bacchus Marsh.
 Bacchus Marsh World War 1 Schools Musical – this event enabled local schools to collaborate
together, and allowed children and their families to learn and remember the events and effects
the Great War had on Australia.
 The Fruits of the Loom Festival – nominated for the contribution to the Bacchus Marsh Arts
scene and for providing a platform for creative work from all fields to be appreciated in one
place.
Certificate of Achievement – Young Citizen of the Year
 Melissa Baker – nominated for contributions to NAIDOC and the indigenous community.
 Jayden Azzopardi – nominated for contributions as a volunteer at Apple 98FM, Bacchus Marsh.
Certificate of Achievement – Citizen of the Year
 Kenneth McDonald – nominated in his capacity as Chairman of the Coimadai Avenue of Honour
Restoration Association Inc.
 Peter Turner – nominated for fundraising activities within the Shire.
 Albie Smith – nominated for contributions to the upkeep and maintenance of the Morrison
Cemetery.
 Michael Crawford – nominated in his capacity as funeral director and counsellor for services to
the Shire and surrounding districts.
All the award recipients were formally recognised at the Australia Day 2016 Community
Celebrations held at the Mechanics Institute, Inglis Street, Ballan on Tuesday 26 January, 2016.
Rob Croxford
Chief Executive Officer
For media enquiries, please contact Genevieve Clark, Council’s Communications/Public Relations Officer via email on
mediaenquiries@moorabool.vic.gov.au or telephone on (03) 5366 7100 for additional information.