ABORIGINAL advocate Tony Lovett was last night named Ballarat Citizen of the Year.
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With 39 people also becoming citizens at the Australia Day Citizenship ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Emily Lizzul was named young citizen of the year and Springfest received the award for community activity of the year.
Handing out the awards at the event, Ballarat mayor John Burt thanked each recepient for their involvement in the community and the contributions they had made towards Ballarat.
“The Australia Day awards are an important opportunity to recognise the individuals and groups that make our city the great place it is to live in,” he said.
Mr Lovett has shown a strong commitment to Ballarat, both in indigenous and non-indigenous life. He has been involved with the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Koorie Engagement Action group, Murray River Marathon – Blues and Brothers team, Ballarat Masters Football Club and facilitated two ‘Families are Forever’ regional camps with the Grampians Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group.
Ms Lizzul worked in Zambia in schools and orphanages and also volunteered her time with her church and the Ballarat Specialist School.
More than 25,000 attended last Springfest last year, easily the biggest event to date. Run by The Rotary Club of Ballarat, it raises funds to provide support for a wide range of Ballarat community groups and charities.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au