On 26 January 2021, Clarence City Council hosted an event to honour the extraodinary contributions of everyday Australians in Clarence.
Due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic the event took on a new, smaller format at Blundstone Arena, instead of the usual public festivities held on Bellerive Boardwalk.
Clarence City Council Mayor Alderman Doug Chipman said while it was disappointing the annual community event could not be held in the usual way this year, he was pleased the award ceremony could still go ahead.
“Our award recipients truly demonstrate community spirit at its best and this year it is more important than ever to acknowledge all the good work that is done in Clarence,” he said.
Jocelyn Goldfinch, a resident of Sandford, was announced as the 2021 City of Clarence Citizen of the Year.
Jocelyn (Jo) is a committed teacher, sportsperson, family member and friend who regularly goes above and beyond to help make Clarence a better place.
She has assisted in organising countless local surf competitions, including being a key organiser of the hugely successful annual Tasmanian Schools surfing competition at Clifton Beach for almost 15 years.
“Through Jo’s extensive work in the community, she has enriched many people’s lives here in Clarence,” Mayor Chipman said.
“In particular, her work with young people and the surf community has allowed for increased participation in sport and skill development.”
The Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Roger Viney.
Roger has selflessly given many hours every week to the Clarence community.
From overseeing the twice-weekly Bingo games at the Howrah Community Centre to lobbying at the highest levels for improved sporting infrastructure on the Eastern Shore, he has been a great asset to many community organisations.
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Thomas and Lily Garde and Amelie and Zoe Brown.
Thomas, Lily, Amelie and Zoe have all made significant contributions over a number of years to the Pipe Clay Coastcare group.
Despite their young age, they have gained a depth of experience allowing them to work independently with initiative and gusto to get the job done.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to Love in a Lunchbox.
The Love in a Lunchbox event has grown from a one day event in 2016 to a large whole-school meal program, providing over 1,700 meals for the children of Clarendon Vale during coronavirus pandemic of 2020.
Due to the hard work of 15 dedicated parents, affectionately referred to as ‘The Dream Team’, teachers have reported an improvement in school retention, behaviour and concentration in students, as well as reduced stress for parents.
The City of Clarence Australia Day Ambassador is Ian Edwards.
Mr Edwards, a serving police officer with Tasmania Police, has been in the job for 24 years.
Currently stationed at Wynyard, in north-west Tasmania, Ian is known for his commitment to the community, having spent much of his career dedicated to working in early intervention to support “at risk” youth.
In 2011 Ian was recognised for his hard work when he was honoured with the Australia Day ‘Tasmanian Local Hero Award’.
Mayor Chipman said he was impressed with the calibre of nominations this year.
“Both our nominees and winners are committed to their community and to helping others, he said.
Their work helps to create a vibrant, welcoming and positive community, and we are grateful for each and every one of them.”