The Mitchell Shire Citizen of the Year was awarded to Seymour’s Sergio Prado-Arnuero for his dedication as a drug and alcohol counsellor and prevention work with youths.

Born in Nicaragua in central America, Dr Prado-Arnuero worked in his home country creating and directing a preventative medical program and providing medication to the ill.

He was active in fighting the Somaza dictatorship regime, which eventually forced Dr Prado-Arnuero and his family into exile.

Unable to speak English, Dr Prado-Arnuero arrived in Villawood, New South Wales, in 1990 as a political refugee.

Despite being told the contrary, his medical qualifications were not recognised in Australia leading him to complete a Diploma of Counselling, and in 2002 he was employed by Mitchell Community Health Services as a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Dismayed by the number of clients relapsing after a hospital detox, Dr Prado-Arnuero became convinced prevention was better than cure and decided to target the youth population.

“The reality is that as I was working as a drug and alcohol counsellor, I was feeling that we were stealing the money of the taxpayer,” Dr Prado-Arnuero said.

“My CEO asked me why I felt that way and it is because I feel that it doesn’t [work] what we do with detoxification, rehabilitation, counselling or whatever. The first thing they do is go to the pub or start using again.

“I believe there has to be something different. I believe that we need early intervention. It is not a question of curing people who are addicted, it is a question of preventing them from getting addiction.”

In 2002, Dr Prado-Arnuero started a boxing gym, believing most substance abuse problems occur in financially-disadvantaged homes. He believes people who survive disadvantaged environments are survivors and survivors are fighters.

“Most of the time the addicted person is coming from a social status that is very poor with a lot of financial problems. Sometimes a dysfunctional family,” he said.

Approaching Seymour police, Dr Prado-Arnuero found they had a diversion program for young offenders, resulting in 18 young men completing six sessions of training with him to avoid going to jail.

All participants completed the course, finding it so beneficial they wanted to continue and by the end of 2003, 150 young men had been through the program.

When Mitchell Community Health Services was unable to continuing funding the project, a money jar was set up with participants paying whatever they could afford – after three months the gym had savings in the bank.

After the original gym was demolished in 2005, Dr Prado-Arnuero continued his program at Seymour’s Chittick Park and in the backyard of his home, before former Member for McEwen Fran Bailey provided two portables from Puckapunyal to house the gym in 2007.

Dr Prado-Arnuero did not believe he deserved his award.

“Thank you so much Australia and thank you very much to the people who organised this event,” he said.

“I feel really honoured to receive this certificate. I am not sure if I deserve it.”

After an operation to treat a ruptured aorta – and technically dying twice – Dr Prado-Arnuero said he was more emotional than ever.

“I feel emotional. Very emotional … my wife was telling me my family from Nicaragua is trying to communicate and I said don’t put them on the telephone because even listening to the voice would make me cry,” he said.

“I am still emotional. I don’t think I deserve this but thank you to everyone.”

Rhonda Coates and Peter Baxter made Mitchell Shire history on Friday, named the first recipients of two new Mitchell Shire Council community award categories.

To encourage a wider range of nominations, council established the Sports Person of the Year, and Arts and/or Culture Person of the Year awards.

Ms Coates received the Arts and/or Culture Person award for her work with community group Kilmore Quilters.

From modest beginnings of about 20 members, Kilmore Quilters has grown to a vibrant 70-member community.

Meeting twice a month, members share their love of quilting and crafting and forge enduring friendships.

Ms Coates’ dedication to preventing isolation and fostering inclusion has led to the creation of smaller groups meeting more frequently and encouraging artistic growth and camaraderie among members.

Under her guidance, members of Kilmore Quilters have achieved artistic feats, including submissions to state-level competitions, awards, and invitations to display their work internationally.

She has also organised a quilt challenge in Japan.

Her inclusivity is evident – welcoming men and children into the group, fostering a diverse and supportive environment for all.

Ms Coates said she was surprised and ‘very humbled’ to receive the award.

“It certainly wouldn’t have been possible unless I had the help of all the great ladies around me,” she said.

“It’s just something that I love doing so it’s even an added bonus that you love doing it and you get recognised for doing it so it’s just fantastic. It’s so much more than just a needle and thread.”

Ms Coates said it was great council established an arts category for the awards.

“The fact too that it’s been awarded for a craft category, which sometimes gets the poor end of the deal because we’re not usually out there is really great,” she said.

“We’ve all got grandmothers’ dollies and aprons around, and way back when we used to have to do home economics at school and things like that. The memories it brings are precious and we don’t recognise it enough, I don’t believe.”

The group meets in Kilmore Memorial Hall two or three times a month and people are invited to join the group, with more information available on the Kilmore Quilters Facebook page.

Stalwart member of the Puckapunyal Cricket Club since 1994, Peter Baxter received Sports Person of the Year award but was unable to receive it on the day.

Over numerous seasons, Mr Baxter has filled many roles from player to captain, never confining himself to a single grade but always stepping in wherever needed.

Despite commitments to the Defence Force, which occasionally led to postings elsewhere, Mr Baxter’s loyalty to the club has remained unwavering, returning each time to lend his support to the club in various capacities.

He serves as treasurer, groundsman, barman, scorer and various other positions, and is a life member of the club, which has a pavilion that bears his name.

Commendation awards were presented to Carolyn Atkinson, of Kilmore, and Margrette Inness, of Broadford, as part of Mitchell Shire Council’s community awards.

Ms Atkinson was recognised for her commitment to various organisations throughout the Mitchell Shire, including 37 years as a Girl Guides leader, five years of volunteering with Meals on Wheels, five years of service as a helper at Kilmore Primary School, two years with the toy library and representing Kilmore Netball Club.

Ms Atkinson has also been a parent helper for Kilmore Little Athletics and the Kilmore Junior Football Club, participated in National Tree Planting Day for a decade and supports Vietnam veterans through fundraising efforts for Soldier On.

“To win this award is very humbling and I’m very proud of it. I’ve always been a Guide since I was nine years old and I absolutely love the organisation and always have great fun,” Ms Atkinson said.

“Over the years I’ve followed my kids and whatever sport or activity they’ve done I’ve volunteered and also in the community. I really enjoy it.”

Ms Inness also received commendation for her dedication to local sporting clubs, including Broadford football, cricket and bowling clubs, with her dedication contributing significantly to the growth and vibrancy of the sporting community.

Ms Inness is also involved with Broadford and District Historical Society where she recently took the lead on two displays commemorating the 60th anniversary of Broadford Secondary College and 150th anniversary of Broadford Primary School.

She also led a successful Facebook campaign highlighting information from Broadford’s past, which rekindled a sense of community among past residents.