Top citizen to grace platinum awards

By Bridget Cook
HAVING recently received the nation’s top honour on Australia Day, Simon McKeon knows what it’s like to receive a prestigious award.
That’s why the recipient of the 2011 Australian of the Year award has been chosen to present the celebrated Platinum Award to the Premier Regional Business Award winner – making them the ‘best of the best’ of Greater Dandenong businesses.
Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 20th platinum year of the Premier Regional Business Awards with a gala extravaganza at the Palladium Ballroom in Crown Casino on Thursday 17 March.
Mr McKeon has a true affinity with Dandenong having been born and raised in the area.
He has come a long way from Clow Street in Dandenong to his current role as executive chairman of the Macquarie Bank in Melbourne.
He was born at the Dandenong Hospital and completed his primary education at the Dandenong state school.
His father Charles and mother Heline were heavily involved in the Dandenong community.
Charles, a pharmacist, was in Rotary, on the hospital board and a member of the chamber of commerce.
In addition, Mr McKeon has been a supporter of the Premier Regional Business Awards as he was a guest speaker during the breakfast series in 2009.
Mr McKeon is now a leading Australian social entrepreneur and prominent businessman, who demonstrates how business and philanthropy go hand in hand.
The celebration of the region’s businesses over the past 20 years will be a night to remember and will be further enhanced by Mr McKeon’s presence.
Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce organising committee member James Sturgess said the platinum year Premier Regional Business Awards Gala Dinner would be a night not to be missed.
“In the 24 years I have had the pleasure of being in Dandenong, I have never seen an event like this,” he said.
“We are still hopeful of getting 1000 people to attend and with Simon confirming you never know.
“Of course, 1000 people will only happen if Dandenong businesses come along to celebrate, but with an event like this, why wouldn’t they?”
The event will include internationally acclaimed entertainment, including the Matt Hetherington dance band, and an all-inclusive, three-course dinner and drinks.
For further information and to book, contact the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce on 9794 8881.