James Hall - Australia day award

On Australia Day 2012, Drouin Volunteer firefighter was awarded the Baw Baw shire Young citizen of the year by Mayor Diane Blackwood. This was witnessed by the Honourable Gary Blackwood, State member for Narracan, the Shires Australia Day ambassadors Rod and Tania Walsh, his family and friends and the Baw Baw community at a ceremony at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. James stated;

“I would like to sincerely thank the Baw Baw Shire for this award. I am extremely honoured to be receiving this on Australia Day amongst my friends, family and community.

James is currently an active volunteer fire-fighter for Drouin taking a keen attitude towards training and response to serve his community. He is always looking to improve himself and learn new things within the brigade. He began his interest in fire-fighting with the junior brigade at Longwarry.

James is also a valued member of the Drouin Bunyip Fire Brigade competition senior team having come through the junior competition where he came second in the Hydrant race at the Junior State Championships in Tatura in 2011

He stated in his speech of the competition team;

“I am also a member of the Drouin and Bunyip Fire Brigades competition team. Being a part of this team has kept me motivated and has taught me great values such as how to effectively work in a team, clear communication and comradeship.”

James has previously been selected for CFA’s junior “Challenge” program in 2011 which aims to develop leadership skills within its participants.

James has also taken on several leadership roles within his school, Marist Sion College, which has tackled with great enthusiasm and ability, including house captain in 2012. He has represented his school in many athletics and swimming carnival as well as various team sports. He is also a valued player at the Drouin Football club.

James is a postcard of what can be ( and is being ) achieved by the youth of today all over the country if they apply themselves to their dreams. In his acceptance speech he stated;

“I believe this award makes a real statement about what young people can achieve in our community. It is important that we continue to support and encourage young people. We learn valuable life skills from the people we look up to and discover that commitment to our community is deeply rewarding.”

Link to Baw Baw shire article;

http://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/page/page.asp?page_Id=3038