A MOUNT Schank man with an unwaivering commitment to the protection and management of native vegetation has been named Grant District Council’s 2019 citizen of the year.
Peter Feast has been an integral part of the Port MacDonnell Landcare Group for almost 40 years and president for the past 23.
Over this time he has driven several significant projects, attracting funding to the region to enable ongoing protection of existing native vegetation and extensive revegetation projects for on-farm benefits, as well as long-term landscape change across the South East including Port MacDonnell’s Germein Reserve.
Considered a pioneer in revegetation methods and a grower of local native species in the region, Mr Feast’s legacy, spanning a 40-year period, is evident throughout the South East landscape which will continue to provide the community with amenity, bio-diversity and productivity values into the future.
Other deserving nominees for this year’s award included Brian Douglas, Jeanette Elliott, Janet Phillips, Sandra Robinson and Phillip Simpson.
Grant Fensom, who was recognised with the award in 2016 and as the young citizen of the year in 1995, was again nominated along with Danny Taylor from Port MacDonnell who received a special commendation from council.
The Carpenter Rocks Progress Association will receive the community event of the year award for its community-led project to upgrade and add amenities to the
Carpenter Rocks Hall.
Community members were enthusiastic to be involved in the building process and proud to see the finished result, which is aimed primarily at attracting school groups who visit for Generations in Jazz.
Council will hold a public celebration on January 26 at Mil Lel Memorial Park.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said council felt it was important to not only celebrate the award recipients, but to honour all of the nominees.
“They have all made a positive difference to our community and should feel very proud to be nominated for the award,” Mr Sage said.
Australia Day ambassador and veteran journalist Samela Harris will help present the awards.
Starting at 11.30am, the family-friendly celebration offers free children’s merry-go-round and jump castle, music by the Mount Gambier City Band and a BBQ and salad lunch for a gold coin contribution.
Official proceedings start at 1.15pm with all welcome.
