General News
5 February, 2023
Rainbow celebrates local heroes
About seventy people attended the Australia Day event in Rainbow. The morning started with a breakfast provided by the Rainbow Lions Club, then president Ian McKenzie welcomed everyone, including Hindmarsh Shire mayor Cr Brett Ireland and Cr Ron...
About seventy people attended the Australia Day event in Rainbow.
The morning started with a breakfast provided by the Rainbow Lions Club, then president Ian McKenzie welcomed everyone, including Hindmarsh Shire mayor Cr Brett Ireland and Cr Ron Gersch. Apologies were received from the deputy mayor Cr Melanie Albrecht and Cr Ron Ismay.
The Australian Citizen affirmation was read before the guest speaker, Rainbow P-12 College principal Colleen Petschel, made her address.
Ms Petschel outlined the progress on the rebuilding works at the college site.
Just as the master plan was about to be put out to tender, Covid arrived and everything was put on hold, then, once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, it was discovered that the cost of construction had risen greatly putting the original plan well over budget.
Ms Petschel said that new plan was now on the minister’s desk and tenders would be called for shortly, and it is hoped that work will begin in term two or midyear.
The new plan will still result in a very positive addition to the community.
Cr Ireland presented Rainbow P-12 College student Ayla Roberts with the Hindmarsh Shire Young Citizen of the Year Award.
“Ayla is an excellent role model for younger members of the community," he said.
"In 2022, Ayla organised a White Ribbon Awareness Day that included a number of information sessions and activities for students at the P-12 College. On that day she spoke about the cause in front of a large crowd and at a fundraiser where she raised over $3000, including sales of merchandise, which was donated to White Ribbon Australia and West Wimmera White Ribbon."
"Ayla has been chosen as a School Captain for Rainbow P-12 College in 2023, she often assists in fundraising events for the College and is a member of the College’s SRC and Wellbeing team.
"She is involved in the Jeparit Rainbow Football Netball Club and a member of the Rainbow Junior Badminton Club.
When Ayla is not at school or playing sport, she cares for her mother who has mobility issues. She is open about her own mental health struggles, and is very passionate about promoting an inclusive community.”
In her replying speech, Ayla thanked the Shire for the award and promoted her view on a community which welcomes all.
“We need everyone, young, old and in between to work together to make any sort of positive change in our community.”
Margaret Mellington was named the Rainbow Lions Club Citizen of the Year.
Mrs Mellington first came to Rainbow in 1964 as Margaret Cullen to teach at the Rainbow Primary School.
She soon made herself at home in the community, joining the local tennis, netball and basketball teams.
Mrs Mellington became a leader of the local Scouts and Cubs troops, and has maintained her interest and support for the Scouts over the years.
Mrs Mellington was a very caring teacher, dedicated to the development and welfare of her pupils. This commitment has carried on into her retirement where she is currently volunteering many hours per week in the reading recovery program, and freely making time after school to help young students with their schoolwork and help them achieve their potential.
Mrs Mellington has a strong faith, being an elder and lay reader at the Uniting Church.
She cares deeply about people, regularly visiting the sick and elderly in hospital and those in need of support in their homes - her visits and phone calls are appreciated by many in our community.
She also drives people to medical appointments locally, or to Horsham and Ballarat, never seeking or accepting payment.
In presenting the award Mr McKenzie said the work of volunteers like Mrs Mellington contributed much to communities.
“As we all know our community would not survive without our volunteers. It is people like Margaret, who like to keep a low profile and not make a fuss, but contribute so much, that make Rainbow such a great place to live," he said.
"A heartfelt thank you from all of us, and congratulations on being Rainbow Lions Club Citizen of the year 2023.”
Mrs Mellington then made her speech, thanking the Rainbow Lions Club and expressing the pleasure she took in her work.
“It is a pleasure to live in Rainbow," she said.
"I love working with kids - they have been a great part of my life.”
The ceremony concluded with flag raising and the singing of the Australian national anthem.
See page two for photos of the celebrations.