CARING and supportive are just two words used to describe this year’s influential Mount Gambier Citizen of the Year recipients.
Known throughout the community for their generosity and commitment to helping those in need, Lois Bayre and Peter Martin have gone above and beyond for the local community.
Joining family and friends yesterday at Mount Gambier City Hall for a mayoral reception, the two were announced as recipients of the iconic awards, along with those receiving the young citizen community event of the year awards.
Raising over $100,000 for Cancer Council SA throughout the past 19 years, Ms Bayre has made a lifelong difference to many in their fight against cancer.
“I used to donate to the anti-cancer foundation each year as I lost my mum to cancer and then one day they sent me a newsletter asking for people to host Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea,” she said.
“So I invited 26 people to my house for morning tea and then decided to move it to St Paul’s Hall and 120 people turned up and we raised $920.”
From there, the events have continued to grow with assistance from a band of around 12 dedicated volunteers and the support of generous local businesses.
Now seeing around 300 attending the event each year, Ms Bayre joked that they might have to host the event at Adelaide Oval next.
“I couldn’t hold this event if I didn’t have the support of local businesses who donate towards this event and I’m so grateful for my volunteers,” she said.
Also making a significant difference to the lives of those around him, Mr Martin does all he can for the local community, from helping people move house to picking up litter on the streets on daily walks.
Considered a role model for the community, the retired diesel mechanic is willing to drop anything to help someone else and without asking for anything in return.
“I’m from a family of 10, so I’ve always thought it’s important to chip in and help others where you can – if everyone does a little bit, everyone is happier,” he said.
“I enjoy helping others, you’ve got to have a positive mindset and try and be happy and not let the world get to you, there’s no use dying sad.”
Earlier it what is set to become a lifetime of helping others, 24-year-old Laura Small was also yesterday recognised for her contribution and is set to receive the young citizen of the year award next week.
Calling Mount Gambier home for the past four years after moving from Port Macquarie, the generous young woman has given her time freely to many community events, including the Christmas parade, carols, Blue Lake Fun Run, Mayfair Singers and the Mount Gambier concert and city bands.
“I was lucky to be well supported with my music – it’s my passion and my contribution is a pay it forward thing as music is a gift that I can share,” Ms Small said.
“There are so many people out there who have talent and have not had a chance to try an instrument.
“I volunteered at North Gambier Primary School this past year and its particularly rewarding to see these students excelling, boosting their skills and confidence.”
Announced as the final recipients of the Australia Day awards, Mount Gambier History Group members Aileen Clarke and Margaret Brown will receive the community event of the year award.
Highlighting the lives of iconic Mount Gambier residents Caleb Fidler and Samuel Webb in an exhibition which was held last year, the two spent around two years researching the former department store’s 150 year history.
“It’s a real honour and recognition of all the hard work and the thousands of hours that everyone within the group gave to make sure the Fidler and Webb exhibition was a success,” Ms Clarke said.
“I think it has been one of the biggest and best events we’ve put on.
“The opening night attracted more than 250 people and over 1000 others visited during the 13-day exhibition, including many former employees, customers and ancestors of the Fidler and Webb family.”
All recipients will formally receive their awards at the Australia Day ceremony at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands on January 26.
A breakfast will be provided from 7.30am with entertainment including performances from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, North Gambier Primary School students, Jason and Christy Wallace and Phoenix Music Studios.
The awards presentation will begin at 9.15am.
