MIRBOO Country Development Inc. hosted the Australia Day Event in Mirboo North held at the Baromi Centre at 10.30am. 

Joint winners were announced this year for the “Citizen of the Year Award”, presented to Dianne (Di) Kiddell and Colin Murray. Both recipients have been tireless volunteers within the community over many years.

Di with her work on the original steering committee to set up St Andrew’s Child Care Centre which opened in 2006 and her efforts in setting up the Community Kitchen which operated over many years in Mirboo North until COVID hit. She continues her work with coordinating the community bus service for the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation and her involvement with the Pastoral

Relations Committee of Presbytery of Gippsland.

Colin has committed to serving with the CFA for the last 15 years, not only for the local community but being part of a strike team from Mirboo North travelling to various parts of Victoria during the fire season.

In addition to his work with the CFA, Colin is an active non-uniform volunteer with the Mirboo North Scout Group which he first joined in the 60’s. He is responsible for the Scout Hall maintenance, attends Cuboree Camps and offers a helping hand with the Scout’s BBQs, and works with the youth within the group. 

Mirboo North Italian Festa won the Event of the Year. 

Brian McDermott and Tony Ebeyer from the Mirboo North CFA were guest speakers at the event where they recognised the value of volunteers to the CFA. Morning tea was served after the announcements, provided by the Mirboo North Cricket Club.