Bellerive resident Dal Hyland has been announced as the 2020 City of Clarence Citizen of the Year.
Described as a quiet pillar of the community, Dal has helped to drive a number of positive projects for the Bellerive community through his work over the last 30 years with the Bellerive Historical Society and the Bellerive Bluff Coast and Landcare Group.
Dal has initiated several projects, including convening a group of residents to perform the task of opening, closing, and caring for the Bellerive Battery – a daily voluntary task that Dal has organised and helped to perform for over 30 years.
“Dal is someone who quietly achieves a great deal for his community in Bellerive,” Mayor of Clarence, Alderman Doug Chipman said.
The Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ron Kelly.
The award recognises Ron’s commitment to the Clifton beach Surf Life Saving Club over many years and though a range of background and leadership roles. In addition to many other achievements at the club, Ron has performed over 1200 voluntary patrol hours at the beach.
The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ireland Rugen.
Ireland has fundraised tens of thousands of dollars for organisations like the Starlight Foundation, World Vision, Oxfam, Ronald McDonald House, The Oncology unit, The Royal Hobart Hospital children’s ward.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Richmond Highland Gathering. Each year, participants including dancers, competitors, pipe bands, and stall-holders, come from around Tasmania to be at this annual event.
The City of Clarence Australia Day Awards were presented by Australia Day Ambassador Paul Cullen and the Mayor of Clarence Alderman Doug Chipman at the Australia Day on the Bellerive Boardwalk.
“Our award recipients truly demonstrate community spirit at its best,” Mayor Chipman said.
“Along with all our very deserving nominees, the winners are committed to their community and to helping others. Their work helps to create a vibrant, welcoming and positive community.”
Along with the announcement of award winners, 27 new Australian citizens from 12 countries (the United States of America, South Africa, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, South Korea, China, India, Canada, Bhutan, Nepal, and Vietnam) were welcomed at a ceremony on the Bellerive Boardwalk.