Australia Day celebrated in style

Reece Rowe was taken by surprise when he was named Mooroopna Young Citizen of the Year for his student leadership and performing arts roles.

Reece Rowe enjoyed a relatively typical Australia Day having a barbecue with friends.

The only difference about his day was earning the Mooroopna Young Citizen of the Year for his student leadership and performing arts roles.

‘‘I was a bit surprised. I didn’t know I’d get it,’’ Reece, 18, said.

‘‘I’d say reach for the stars, aim high.’’

Reece is involved with Word and Mouth and the Initial Stages junior performance group.

The Mooroopna Secondary College graduate said the group had just finished a summer workshop, where members performed a top 15 of songs from movies.

The group returns next week and Reece will write material for acting and singing performances before a production is determined.

‘‘It’s my first year (with the group) — I’m pretty excited,’’ Reece said.

Reece started in performing arts in 2008 when he joined a band for his school’s production.

He is involved with the Rotary Model United Nations and his work with the Rural Youth Ambassador Program was presented to the Victorian education minister.

Reece will tutor students as a Mooroopna Primary School trainee this year.

‘‘I might be able to teach kids the violin,’’ he said.

‘‘I do have one and the school has a good music program.’’

Cecily Dumaresq earned the Mooroopna Citizen of the Year for her voluntary work of 45 years.

Mrs Dumaresq volunteered at her children’s school canteen and mothers club.

She has been the centre manager and secretary of Mooroopna St Vincent de Paul.

She has been the president and secretary of Mooroopna Country Women’s Association and ran an annual craft day for her branch.

Mrs Dumaresq won a Landcare award in 2007 for planting trees on her family farm and around Mooroopna and Tatura.

She also regularly visits nursing home residents.

For more Australia Day coverage pick up a copy of today’s News.

Mooroopna’s Jed, 9, Ben, 8 and Bella Woods, 6, wave their flags