THE Mornington Peninsula Regional Group of the Order of Australia Association held its 2017 Annual Schools Award ceremony at Beleura House and Garden, Mornington, on Friday the 10th of November.
The afternoon was jointly hosted by Mr. Brian Stahl OAM JP, Chairman of the Regional Group, and Mr. Anthony Knight OAM, Director of Beleura House and Garden, and attended by some 50 members and guests.
Following a viewing of the Dame Nellie Melba rose in bloom, members and guests were escorted through the extensive gardens before entering the auditorium for the prize presentation and piano recital.
The Schools Award is presented to schools that best exemplify through a submitted project the values of responsible Australian citizenship.
Dr David Price OAM, Acting Schools Award Convener, introduced the 2017 joint winners and presented the prize, sponsored by Spowers Architects, of $1,000 and a commemorative plaque to each school.
The winners were Flinders Christian Community College Tyabb for Cat Run in association with the Baxter Men’s Shed, and Monterey Secondary College for their VCAL Connect project in sport and industry, enabling students to build industry connections and help them in their careers.
The schools were represented by Mr. Andrew Bylart and Ms. Susan Pollard, respectively, and students.
Australian National Academy of Music Fellow, Mr. Laurence Matheson, entertained the audience with a program including the works of Beethoven, Schubert, Debussy and Brahms.
Beleura House and Garden tea rooms, staffed by local volunteers, provided an excellent afternoon tea, and an enjoyable and memorable afternoon was had by all.
