Advocate for others and local helpers rewarded

THERESE Howell’s tireless work as an advocator for amputees and children born with a limb difference has paid off, being named the Casey Citizen of the Year.
Ms Howell was awarded the top gong at the Casey Australia Day Awards ceremony Thursday 26 January.
Each year the awards identify groups and residents who have made significant achievements and contributions to the Casey community.
People who may not live in the municipality but have enriched the Casey community through their efforts are also eligible in the awards.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz congratulated all the award finalists and recipients.
“Through their achievements and service, these remarkable individuals and local groups have enriched Casey’s identity and strengthened our community spirit,” he said. “Each of the award winners, and all those who were nominated are great representatives of our varied community, across ages, localities and backgrounds who together reflect a culture of participation and contribution to the community. These awards are a great way to celebrate and promote the people who dedicate their time to supporting others and improving our city to help make Casey a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
The winners of the 2012 Casey Australia Day Awards are:
Casey Citizen of the Year – Therese Howell
Therese is an ardent advocate for amputees and children born with a limb difference, seeking to raise awareness of the effects of limb loss on children and the impact on families. Therese has provided many local Casey families with direct support and assistance as well as working with Limbs 4 Life.
Therese is aiming to establish the first Australian Amputee Children and Youth Service which will co-ordinate with hospitals and health care providers as a referral service offering social and sporting opportunities for families with amputee children.
In 2011 Therese was awarded the Vodafone World of Difference prize for her work supporting families of amputee children. She is a member of Limbkids Support Association VICTAS Inc. and the Aussie Hands Foundation Inc.
Casey Young Citizen of the Year – Thomas Niazm
A successful student himself, Thomas lends his academic skills to tutoring younger students on a regular basis.
As well as tutoring two indigenous students at Gleneagles Secondary College every week, Thomas is a regular tutor at the Homework Club helping students across years seven to 12. He spends considerable time building relationships with young students to help them learn and has also devoted time to helping students transition from primary to secondary school.
Thomas is an active member of Casey Youth Ambassadors Program and has participated in the Casey Young Leaders Program as a motivational speaker.
He is currently completing his gold level in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and assisted with the management of the 2011 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp.
2012 Casey Senior Citizen of the Year – Bette Clydesdale
For the past 20 years Bette has assisted local residents by using her computer skills to teach people how to use computers in their own home.
Bette is also a founding member of the Awesome Berwick Cranbourne Club for retired computer buffs. She has been involved in several Casey community campaigns including raising funds for local kindergartens, tennis clubs and guide halls. Bette is a charter member of Inner Wheel Club of Cranbourne Inc., a committee member of Amstel Golf Club and a life member of the Cranbourne Tennis Club Inc. She is also creator of the DVD Where I Live which highlights many wonderful features of Cranbourne and has been featured in local media and shown as part of the 150 Years of Cranbourne celebrations.
2012 Casey Sportsperson of the Year – Juan Carlos Loyola OAM
Juan Carlos founded the Doveton Special Soccer School in 1993 and has continued to contribute to the club as the co-ordinator, providing sporting opportunities for people with a disability. Juan Carlos also co-ordinates soccer clinics at special schools and has provided assistance to the City of Casey Access for All Abilities Program. As part of the work with Doveton Special Soccer School, Juan Carlos organises regular trips and inclusive recreational activities. He has coached Casey soccer players representing Australia at the 2005 Global Games in Sweden and has supported the Friendship Day Championship for the past nine years. He has coached and supported soccer players from the Narre Warren area who represented Australia in the Special Olympics in Greece last year.
2012 Casey Non-resident of the Year – Brenda Chessum
Brenda has been an active member of a number of Casey community groups and organisations for more than 30 years including the Hallam Nursing Home Auxiliary and the Narre Community Learning Centre Board of Management.
Brenda is also a highly valued member of the Narre Warren Opportunity Shop Inc. where she has served as a volunteer and committee member since 2005. Brenda is a committee member of Cranbourne Old Time Dance Club Inc. and was the inaugural Treasurer of the Hallam Private Nursing Home Committee.
Casey Community Event/Activity of the Year 2011 Award – Narre Warren North Christmas Carols
The Narre Warren North Uniting Church and Community Carols Committee held its 21st annual Christmas carols on Saturday 10 December. The popular event drew a large crowd, filled with community spirit and a sense of fun.
Local solo artists, performed alongside the Cranbourne Concert Band, Cranbourne Chorale and Narre Warren North Primary School Choir delighting local families. The event was also supported by the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade, who gave Santa his lift, and Narre Warren Rotary Club behind the barbecue.
The carols exemplify the family spirit of the local community.
Casey Community Fundraising Event/Activity of the Year 2011 Award – Casey Cardinia Relay for Life
This fundraising activity was organised by the Casey Cardinia Relay for Life Volunteer Organising Committee and was held in March at Akoonah Park, Berwick.
The Casey Cardinia Relay for Life was not only one of the most significant fundraisers for cancer research held in Casey, it was the second biggest Relay for Life event in Victoria. More than 2500 people, making up 65 relay teams, took part in the event, raising a substantial amount for the Cancer Council Victoria.
While raising funds for research, the event celebrates the courage and hope of cancer survivors and is a time to remember people who have been affected by cancer.