Dookie Lions Club’s drumMUSTER member Allan Shields, State Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe, and Dookie Sports Award recipient Megan O'Connor.
The sun shone brightly in Dookie on Sunday, January 26 as the community gathered for its Australia Day celebration.
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Attendees enjoyed the Lions Club’s traditional sausage sizzle and shaded seating while Shepparton-based artist Carol McGregor opened the ceremony with live-looping violin and viola performances.
Carol McGregor provided the entertainment for the ceremony.
Peter McManus of the Dookie Lions Club served as the master of ceremonies, with speeches from State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and Pine Lodge ward councillor Geoff Akers.
This year’s wooden trophies were crafted by Gary Gray from the Men’s Shed.
Dookie Lions Club’s drumMUSTER member Allan Shields, receiving the award on behalf of the club.
The Dookie Lions Club’s drumMUSTER recycling program received the Event of the Year award.
Over 11 years, the initiative has processed 119,605 chemical drums, and funding projects like the Dookie Rail Trail Fitness Station.
Allan Shields, local farmer and site coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the club.
Andrew Sands, celebrated for his contributions to art and the Dookie Community Garden, was named Senior Citizen of the Year.
Known for his work on Indigenous plants and local sculptures, Andrew has also been involved in groups like Dookie Life and the Dookie Arts Group.
Although unable to attend, his dedication to the local community was acknowledged.
Megan O’Connor received the Sports Award for her commitment to the Dookie United Football and Netball Club.
A life member, Megan has served as a netball umpire, committee member, and newsletter editor, documenting the club’s history in the Saddleback News.
“I’m feeling grateful that I get to be a part of this small community and contribute in a small way,” Megan said.
“Thanks for the award that people have nominated me for and I received.”
Although unable to attend the ceremony, Trevor Feldtmann was honoured as Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the community.
He has secured funding for the Cashel East Cemetery Trust, served as treasurer of the Dookie Bowls Club, and volunteered with the Dookie CFA Brigade for more than eight years.
Trevor is also involved with the Dookie Film Group as a projectionist and committee member.
The ceremony concluded with vibrant traditional dances by Shepparton’s Communities of Filipino-Australians.
Dancers from the Communities of Filipino-Australians in Shepparton performing.
Allan Shields contemplating Dookie’s Lions Club’s win.
Anna Carrafa, with daughters Chloe and Sophia.
Dookie’s Australia Day ceremony attendees.
Ron Hyde with Tom attending Dookie’s Australia Day ceremony.
The Communities of Filipino-Australians in Shepparton members.
Carol McGregor performing Viva La Vida by Coldplay.
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