Casey celebrates top citizens

JUDY Owen has been honoured for her to commitment to the Casey community by winning the 2010 Casey Citizen of the Year.
Ms Owen has been a leader with the Australia Air League Berwick Girls Squadron for the past 20 years, and is a dedicated volunteer at the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall.
She has advocated for young people through her participation in the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program, which involves Ms Owen being on call to attend local police stations to assist young people.
The annual award ceremony on Tuesday also recognised the senior and young citizen of the year.
Judy Symons from the Cranbourne U3A won the 2010 Casey Senior Citizen of the Year.
Ms Symons is the co-founder of the Cranbourne U3A and has held a range of roles on the committee including treasurer, secretary, newsletter editor and a computer skills teacher.
She is also committed to the Cranbourne Information and Support Service where she is the secretary, and volunteers one day a week in the crisis intervention and support area.
Beth Cooper was awarded Casey’s Young Citizen of the Year. Beth was school captain and a member of the Student Representative Council at Gleneagles Secondary College. She has been recognised by her peers for her approachable, caring and reliable manner. Beth has volunteered at a local retirement village, two local primary schools and community events such as the launch of the Casey Safety Village and the RSPCA.
Highly commended certificates went to Robin Dzedins and Moiar-Eden Utatao.
The Casey Community Event/Activity of the Year went to the Rotary Club of Narre Warren for the Berwick Highland Gathering.
In 2009, the event attracted about 4000 people who experienced Scottish culture, including a bagpipe competition, dancing and sports games.
Ten Year 11 students who will take part in the Australia Day Study Tour were also announced.
Mayor Lorraine Wreford congratulated all of the award winners for their outstanding dedication and ongoing contribution to Casey.