Amazing Service On The Surf Coast Rewarded

Australia Day 2022 has come and gone, with a number of exceptional Victorians finding their name on this year’s Honours List.

From Betty Butterworth OAM to our many other Local Legends, we are so proud of what these individuals have done in service to the community.

Betty Butterworth is honoured with an OAM

Anyone who has lived on the Surf Coast for long enough is already familiar with the name Betty Butterworth. An amazing woman who is one of the longest-serving members of the Lions of Anglesea, Betty has spent the majority of her life serving the community through a number of organisations.

So it should come as no surprise that this inspiring 94-year-old received her well-earned Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours List. We know that everyone in the Anglesea community is proud of Betty’s achievements and so appreciative of her efforts over the decades. Read our interview with Betty here.

Local Indigenous mentor Keeden Graham

Photo from Surf Coast Times

Torquay’s own Keeden Graham has so much to be proud of with his 2022 Victoria Young Australian of the Year nomination.

A Yorta-Yorta, Wiradjuri, and Dja Dja Wurrung man, Keeden was nominated for his exceptional and tireless work in helping to mentor young Aboriginal people throughout the community.

As manager and CEO of Strong Brother Strong Sister – which is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated – Keeden and his team provide a culturally appropriate space where young Aboriginal people can be supported and thrive.

Surf life-saving OAMs for locals

Living on the Surf Coast, surf life-saving clubs are the beating heart of our communities. In recent years, a number of residents have been bestowed an OAM for their services to surf life-saving.

Back in 2019, a trio of recipients were honoured on the Queen’s Birthday: Tony Strahan (Torquay Surf Life Saving Club), Stafford Smith (Woolamai Beach SLSC) and Peter Maishman (Point Lonsdale SLSC).

Last year, Janet Jones from Anglesea SLSC also received her prestigious OAM for her outstanding commitment to Starfish Nippers and surf lifesaving, as well as her work with the Ballarat Sports Foundation and Ballarat Specialist School community.

Torquay’s own Elizabeth North

Photo from Geelong Advertiser

Elizabeth North has always had a place for charity work. Her late husband, a veteran and Legatee member, earned his OAM years ago and Elizabeth has followed in his footsteps through her own charitable career.

For decades, the Torquay local has volunteered with organisations that assist those who have lost a relative through war. She spent more than 20 years volunteering for Meals on Wheels and has also given up her time to the Torquay Golf Club, the Torquay Historical Society, her local Probus club and St Luke’s Anglican Church.

In 2019, Elizabeth earned her OAM for charitable works.

Local Legends of the Surf Coast

Every year, the Surf Coast Shire honours a handful of residents with their very own Local Legends Award. Nominees are those who have been recognised for helping others, strengthening the community, caring for the environment, celebrating diversity, and much more.

While the 2022 recipients haven’t yet been announced (nominations closed October 2021), the 2021 Local Legends include familiar faces like physiotherapist Greg Walsh, the Surf Coast Environmental Action Team, Rotary stalwart Maggie Isom, and the Anglesea Lionesses.

The Surf Coast is the place to be

From Torquay to Anglesea to Jan Juc, the Surf Coast is famous for its community-driven coastal towns full of amazing people. Ready to find your new home right here? Contact our experienced team today to see how we can help you.