Community
29 November, 2024
Council welcomes home Olympic heroes
CORANGAMITE Shire Council rolled out the green and gold carpet for local Olympians Grace Brown and Penny Smith last week for a special civic reception to welcome them home.
Sixty people turned out for the free night, taking the opportunity to learn more about Camperdown’s two Olympians through a question and answer session.
Master of ceremonies Peter Conheady asked a variety of questions on the night, ranging from Mrs Brown and Ms Smith’s Olympic experience, to their sporting careers, to the global recognition Camperdown received.
Mayor Kate Makin said it was “wonderful” to see the community’s pride in the Olympians.
“There had been requests from the community to host an event to celebrate all our Olympians,” she said.
“When we learned that Mrs Brown was coming to visit, we thought it was a great opportunity for a community celebration.
“Our Olympic success showcases our community spirit as well as our wonderful facilities that most of our medallists have used to train.
“It is an inspiration to all up-and-coming athletes from all sports here in our community.”
Councillors were among those in attendance, joining in with the many photo opportunities and one-on-one conversations held following proceedings.
Mrs Brown said it was nice to have a public event for residents to attend.
“I’ve had a lot of visits over the last couple of days, but I just want to make sure no-one misses out,” she said.
“It was nice to come along here and share the stage with Penny.
“It’s been awesome.
“I’ve been all around town in the last couple of days and the number of people to welcome me home and celebrate the victory was really heartwarming.
“It’s really cool to see all the stickers around town. I haven’t seen the clocktower lights in person, but I saw photos of them when I was in Paris, and that was really cool to see.”
Ms Smith said it was “wonderful” to see the community support for Mrs Brown and herself.
“It’s so great to have Grace home and to be able to celebrate with the community is fantastic,” she said.
“It’s been wonderful – the stickers all around town is absolutely wonderful and it’s great to see them still up, and the sign outside the Commercial for me is wonderful.
“Thanks to the community, thanks to the shire, and thanks to everyone else who has gotten behind Grace and I.
“It’d good to see young people, older people, and it’s good that we can inspire the younger generation as well.”
Cr Makin made a speech preceding the event, expressing the shire’s pride in the efforts of Mrs Brown and Ms Smith at the Paris Olympics.
“Penny and Grace, you are amazing role models for people in our shire and around the country and even the world,” she said.
“Thank you for being great examples for kids in Corangamite and showing that there are plenty of opportunities for them to strive to be the best they can.”
