By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
Casey Citizen of the Year – Bert Rae
MANY would say that Bert Rae’s Citizen of the Year award was a matter of ‘when’, rather than ‘if’.
On Sunday night this theory was proven true when the Narre Warren stalwart was awarded the Casey Citizen of the Year award at a special Australia Day ceremony held at the Casey Civic Centre.
Bert, 73, has been a devoted and active community member since he was a child and is involved in daily community volunteer work. Bert is the chair of the Narre Warren North Community Carols and a valued committee member of the Berwick and District Benevolent Society.
Bert is also heavily involved in the Berwick Agricultural Show Society, the Narre Warren North Community Association and volunteers for a range of other community organisations.
Bert said he wouldn’t be able to do what he does without the help of his wife, Gwenda, and his family.
“I’m quite overwhelmed; it was an honour just to be nominated,” he said.
“I just enjoy helping people. I am proud of the City of Casey, to live here and to be involved with it.”
Bert said neither he nor his wife had any idea he would be announced as the Citizen of the Year, after being invited along to enjoy the Australia Day celebratory evening.
“Gwenda’s reaction was much the same as mine!” Bert laughed.
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said the awards were a significant part of Casey’s proud history and a strong reflection of its community spirit.
“The calibre of people represented here today is symbolic of the upstanding citizens who call Casey home,” he said.
Deputy mayor Amanda Stapledon noted how Casey was “richer” for having honorary citizens, like Bert, in the community.
