Welcome to Dindi Daily – for Australia Day – Saturday, January 26.

Former Murrindindi Shire Chief Commissioner Ailsa Fox OAM is recognised in today’s Australia Day honours.

Mark Squirrel is honoured for his service to the international community through humanitarian aid.

Don Jago, well known for his strong links to Rotary clubs in Alexandra and Yea, eceives an OAM honour “for service to the community”.

Yarra Ranges Council identity Len Cox is honored for his civic work, as is former Nillumbik Shire Mayor Helen Coleman.

Other local receipients include
Richard Alaster Gower, Gruyere, for significant service to the recreational and historical aviation sector through a range of roles.

• William Paul Healy, St Andrews, for significant service to the community, particularly in the area of forensic mental health, and to education.

• Mr Jim Siderov, Eltham North, for significant service to oncology pharmacy as a clinician, and to professional associations.

Local recipients of Australia Day OAM honours include:

• Patricia Elaine Bigham, Gruyere
• Betty Cummings, Watsonia
• Dr Christine Durham, Eltham
• David Heazlewood

• John Jennings, Seymour
• Pamela Pedersen Eltham
• John Phoenix, Seymour
• Valentine John Simpson, Mernda

Australia Day celebrations are being held in Murrindindi Shire from 8am at Alexandra, Eildon, Yea, Kinglake, Strath Creek, Flowerdale, Marysville and Glenburn. See the Local Paper website at 10am and 1.30pm for announcements about the Citizens of the Year.

Temperatures are cooler today, after reaching 45° degrees in the region yesterday.
Expected top temperatures today are Alexandra 37, Eltham 31, Healesville 34, Kinglake 32, Marysville 32, Whittlesea 29, Yea 36.
On Sunday, there’s a 40 per cent chance of rain for the Yea Cup. 18°-30°

Yesterday, there were fires at Marysville, Howqua and Upton Hill, near Ruffy.
Dindi Daily is brought to you by The Local Paper, the region’s number one local media – in print, online and now at Dindi TV.

Enjoy your Australia Day.