Margaret Ashman and Billy Nikkelson have been named Eaglehawk’s citizen and young citizen of the year.
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Ms Ashman was recognised for her decades long commitment to a number of charities and community events including the Dahlia and Arts Festival, Friends of Canterbury Park and Zonta.
Mr Nikkelson was recognised for his developing leadership skills and dedication to volunteering.
Both will be presented with their Citizen of the Year awards at the Australia Day ceremony in Canterbury Park next Friday.
Ms Ashman arrived in Eaglehawk in 1958 as a new bride and said she felt welcomed immediately.
“The friendship and community spirit were absolutely there from when I first arrived. I couldn't believe they made me feel so special. It was amazing,” she said. “Since then I have been involved in Eaglehawk activities.”
Some of Ms Ashman’s greatest achievements include starting the Neangar Kindergarten in 1968, being a member of the uniting church for 60 years and helping put together the submission for Canterbury Park’s new sporting facilities in 2009.
“We worked with councillor Peter Cox on that and never thought we would live long enough to see it happen. We were astounded when it was finished,” she said. “It’s now got the most marvellous facilities. It's amazing.”
Mr Nikkelson said he was quite surprised to get the call saying he was Eaglehawk’s young citizen of the year.
He volunteers at the Uniting Church community breakfasts and with Our House.
“I was helping dad work on house and got the call. I told dad and he said good job then I thought I had better call my nan and tell her,” he said.
“Apart from it being fun, I like volunteering because you can get out and see everyone. I’m just happy to help out and it’s good to do stuff for your community.”
Ms Ashman said she hoped lots of people celebrated Australia Day at Canterbury Park.
“Usually I'm organising it but this time will be very different. But it will be a real thrill because there’s always a heartbeat in Eaglehawk,” she said.