FIVE exceptional individuals have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community in the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s annual Australia Day local awards.
This year’s Citizen of the Year went to Denise Palmer, who has dedicated over 20 years to serving the peninsula community, particularly through her work with the Hastings Police Senior Citizens Register, where she has been coordinator for the past 15 years. The register supports over 950 disadvantaged individuals. Despite battling cancer and severe arthritis, Denise has shown incredible resilience.
Phoebe Lambden was named the Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of her significant contribution to Rosebud Sea Scouts and the wider community. She was also instrumental to the inaugural Rosebud Raft Regatta.
The Community Event of the Year award went to the Tyabb Air Show 2024, which was hosted by the Peninsula Aero Club (PAC). The event raised $42,500 which was distributed among local organisations.
In other honours, Nina and Coin Blythe won the Mornington Peninsula Shire Lifetime Achievement Award. and Victoria Police Sergeant Barry Randall received the Community Inspiration Award.
First published in the Mornington News – 28 January 2025
