Ocean Grove Rotary hosted its prestigious Community Awards at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club on June 6.
The nominations for the awards were open during March and April for people who lived or worked in the Southern Bellarine and judging was held during May.
The Team Member of the Year Award winner was Bayden Mellington, who was praised for his high level of service and willingness to assist residents at Ryman Healthcare Ocean Grove where he is the facilities manager. Leah Blackmore from Bellarine Veterinary practice was runner-up and has worked for 32 years as a veterinary nurse.
Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award winner was Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, which is committed to emergency response and has a supportive and caring culture. Runner-up was Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Queenscliff.
Meaghan Vecoli of Ivy Creations, Queenscliff, was the winner in the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award. Meaghan is known for her friendly demeanour, willingness to learn and attention to detail.
The Small Business Excellence Award of the Year Coastline Alfresco Pty Ltd, a family business based in Ocean Grove. The business creates outdoor entertaining areas for new and existing buildings. Bellarine Chiropractic owner Scott Springer moved from Tasmania to Ocean Grove and purchased an existing business. He has introduced new concepts and methods into the organisation.
President Peter Cowburn said “It is wonderful to be able to support local businesses, volunteers and staff,” OG Rotary president Peter Cowburn.
“The number of applications was high and they were of a high calibre.”
The awards major sponsor was Barwon Heads Community Bendigo Bank. Individual awards were sponsored by: Ryman Health Care, Ocean Grove; Parade Dental Ocean Grove; Barwon Heads IGA; Ocean Grove Business Association; Barwon Heads Pharmacy; Barwon Heads Hotel; DC Roofing; Beach Terrace Cafe Ocean Grove; Chopped and Bobbed Australia; Helloworld Waurn Ponds and Point Lonsdale Guest House.
