Patrick Gurrie has achieved a great deal since moving to Caroline Springs 14 years ago.
“I got here about 12 months after Caroline Springs was started,’’ he said.
“A lot of things are established down there now, with the sporting clubs and commercial centres, but 14 years ago there was nothing.
“I was president of the Caroline Springs development committee at one stage and I’ve been involved in building two schools and the presbytery, and now the Catholic Church.”
Mr Gurrie’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the 68-year-old named as Melton City citizen of the year at Sunday’s Australia Day celebrations.
“I thought it was magnificent that my peers recognise some of the work I’ve been doing … at the end of the day you do it for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
The father of three and grandfather of five is also involved in the suburb’s dog-obedience club and coaches an under-15 cricket team.
“There’s always things to be done,’’ he said. “People come and tap me on the shoulder and ask different things. I’m one of those people who doesn’t say no too often, and I have the time and experience and skills to carry these things out.”
Caroline Springs’ Claire Mouser was presented with the inaugural Melton woman of the year award.
Taylors Lakes Secondary College student Sara McInnes was named youth citizen of the year.
