Community icons awarded

TWO Lang Lang icons have been honoured for their long and valuable service to the community.

Gordon Sampson, a backbone of several local groups and organisations, and town doctor William Orri Stewart received Flinders Community Awards.

The awards were presented last week by Flinders MP Greg Hunt and Cardinia Shires Western Port Ward councillor Doug Hamilton.

Mr Hunt said the awards were communitydriven. He said the achievements of Dr Stewart and Mr Sampson had had a positive impact on the lives of many.

The Lang Lang community has sought special acknowledgement for the longstanding service and commitment of both Dr Stewart and Mr Sampson, Mr Hunt said.

Dr Stewart or Dr Orri as he is fondly known came to Lang Lang in 1966.

As the towns only doctor for many years, he has devoted his time to delivering many babies, visiting homes whenever called for help and working tremendously long hours.

He is known for his commitment over and above the normal expectations of a local town doctor and is known by many for his reassuring and kind attention, Mr Hunt said.

Dr Stewarts wife, Inez, was instrumental in establishing the Lang Lang Pony Club.

The Stewart family has also given strong support to the towns Anglican Church and continues to serve the community.

Gordon Sampson joined the Lang Lang fire brigade in 1957 and was the brigades captain for 27 years.

He joined the KooweerupLang Lang Rotary Club in 1975 and received the Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988.

He has been president of the Lang Lang Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association and is the current president and a foundation member of the towns historical society.

Mr Sampson was the 2000 Lang Lang citizen of the year and received the Flinders Community Award on his 70th birthday.