Community ambassador receives top Australia Day honour

Published on 26 January 2023

An unwavering commitment to the community was recognised at today’s Australia Day events, with local volunteer and ‘valued citizen’ John (Jack) Matthews awarded the Shire’s top honour.

Mr Matthews was named the 2023 Glenelg Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year at Australia Day civic events in Portland and Casterton.

The Casterton-based awardee has been a stalwart, both behind the scenes and in front of the mic, of the township’s much-loved event the Australian Kelpie Festival and Working Dog Auction.

“John, or affectionately known as Jack, has become an iconic figure of the Casterton Kelpie Association. He has been involved with the event since it first began in 1996 and to this day remains an integral volunteer,” said Cr Scott Martin.

“John dedicates many months throughout the year coordinating and ensuring that each part of the Kelpie Muster weekend is well oiled and organised. On the day of the Festival, he is the recognisable voice behind the mic commentating the popular Kelpie Dash and the Kelpie High jump and goes to go great lengths to ensure that every event-goer has the best possible experience throughout the day.

“His commitment to the Casterton Kelpie Association was acknowledged in 2006 when he was awarded a Life Membership, highlighting his passion and tireless contributions.  

“Alongside his service to the Kelpie Association, John has been involved with the Casterton Apex Club, Street Drags, Golf Club and has also dedicated more than 23 years to local basketball coaching. He has supported many young players to develop their skills for the game through his encouraging approach and leadership.

“John is a wonderful example of a community ambassador, and the impact individual efforts can make for the greater good. We thank him for his selfless contributions to our Shire, and for the region as a whole.”

Mr Matthews was joined in the award honours by fellow recipients:

Senior Citizen of the Year – Phil Jarrett 

Phil has dedicated more than 70 years of service to the community. He joined the Portland Citizens Brass Band when he was just 10 years of age and served in many important events including The Harbor Opening in 1950, The 150th Anniversary Celebrations in 1984 and The Royal Visit in 1985.

Phil is a passionate Band member and even volunteers his time maintaining the historical building the Portland Citizen's Brass Band calls home. He prides himself in sharing his knowledge and his love of music to the youth of today, bridging the gap between the generations. 

Alongside the Portland Citizens Brass Band, he is an active member of the Portland Historical Society and President of the Curators Cottage Committee. He spends endless hours volunteering at the cottage and has been an ambassador for Portland sharing his vast knowledge of the town's history.

Community Group of the Year – Friends of the Great South West Walk

The Friends of the Great South West Walk was formed in November 1983 to maintain and promote the Great South West Walk (GSWW).

The group regularly trim and mow the walking tracks, as well as working on signage maintenance and erosion control and revegetation along the exposed coastline.

In the last year alone 57 volunteers recorded more than 7000 hours of volunteer activities, with many additional unrecorded hours in meetings, planning, governance and leadership.

The Friends of the Great South West Walk are also incredibly active in raising the profile of the GSWW locally and further afield, with guidebooks, gift cards, calendars, website , weekly newspaper columns and regular social media promotion.