And it’s this commitment that Horsham Rural City Council leaders will officially recognise at an Australia Day ceremony on Sunday, when they award Mr Risson Citizen of the Year and Ms Matheson and Mr Currie joint Young Citizen of the Year.
Mr Risson said his interest in community work started when he moved to Horsham 18 years ago.
He said that as a church pastor and member of Horsham Christian Ministers’ Association, he believed it was vital to be available to other people and a part of their lives.
Over time, this transformed into him becoming a member of Horsham Arts Council, SmartArtz theatre company and Carols by Candlelight committee, as well as chaplain for Horsham Country Fire Authority. Mr Risson has also served as a president and member of Horsham Primary School’s school council, and has been actively involved in events including Relay for Life, Horsham White Ribbon walks and Wimmera River parkrun.
He said he aspired to live a generous life, led by his religion, that could help him transform his community for the better.
“I had never done any of these things before I came to Horsham, but I have always wanted to be involved in my community,” he said.
“So, when people said, ‘have a go at this’, I did. It’s just about wanting to be involved, I think.
“I’m particularly passionate about living out my faith, and passionate about the church and what it stands for. I want to be a person of honour and show understanding and compassion in how I live, operate and work.
“I think that brings a lot of people together.”
Horsham honours young citizens
Horsham Show the stand-out event
The entire January 22, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
