COUNTLESS hours of work within the local community were rewarded on Friday with the appointment of Trevor Bensley as our Citizen of the Year and Michael Burge as Young Citizen of the Year.
The two recipients were presented with framed certificates and commemorative ties in recognition of their outstanding achievements as part of the Australia Day official ceremony in Berrima.
After being appointed the title by Mayor Phil Yeo before an audience of 200 people, Mr Bensley expressed amazement at his successful nomination.
He said the certificate would take pride of place in his study, where his grandchildren could look at it.
“I was completely surprised, I wouldn’t have liked to have been the person making the decision,” the Alpine resident said.
“I really was perfectly happy just to be nominated.
“But I am very proud to be classed in with all the real achievers, volunteers, Council and the community spirited people.”
Among Mr Bensley’s accomplishments are the 42 years he served with the Department of Education, including his role as principal of Burrawang, Toombong and Bargo schools.
A grandfather of 10, Mr Bensley is well-known for his involvement with the Mount Alexandra Reserve Management Committee, of which he is chair, and his position as treasurer of the Southern Highlands Landcare Network.
In addition, Mr Bensley is the activities organiser for Bowral Probus Club and is a member of Wingecarribee Fire Coordination Committee.
Selected above nine other local nominees, including clown doctor Peter Spitzer and Olympic walker Lisa Paolini, Mr Bensley said his selection was an indication of the growing importance of environmental issues within the community.
“With Council getting an environmental levy, with grants and projects with Landcare, it’s all coming together,” he said.
“Therefore, we can continue to do the work we’re doing forever, we can continue it into the future.”
The future Mr Bensley referred to will be in the hands of youths like 21 year old Mr Burge.
Mr Burge was appointed Young Citizen of the Year ahead of three other accomplished nominees and said he hoped to scoop a swag of similar awards in the years ahead.
“This means a lot more hard work really,” he said.
“I’ve got to live up to it now.
“It’s just absolutely incredible, I wasn’t too sure about who would be the actual winner.
“All of the help form are winners really.”
Michael’ ;s experiences following a car accident prompted him to help found the U-Turn the Wheel Committee in 1999, an organisation aimed at reducing the number of young people involved in car accidents.
He also began Moss Vale High School’s radio station and the Mosstock Concert conducted last year for local youths with the support of Council.
Michael works at Rentquip in Mittagong and also pursues his interest in mock make-up, often working on casualty simulations for St John’s Ambulance.
“I honestly didn’t do it all to get recognition,” the Moss Vale resident said.
“But I’d like to keep on expanding on what I’ve already started.”
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