Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Australia Day in Calare we honoured many of the wonderful local residents who work so hard in our country communities. Ceremonies were held to recognise individuals who make great contributions and, in fact, are the glue that keep our country communities together. I would like to acknowledge them today. From the Mid-Western Regional Council, Citizen of the Year went to Carolyn Peek and Young Citizen of the Year went to Brody Mundy. The Mudgee Bee Group won the Environment Award and Soolan Clifford won the Sports Award. Alesha Bennetts won the Junior Sports Award. Joshua Hayward took out the Arts Award. The Community Event of the Year was the Cudgegong Valley Public School Garden Fair. Ben Thompson was named the Young Farmer of the Year. The Volunteer Services Award went to Trent O'Brien. The Volunteer Emergency Services Award went to Garry Dollisson, and Ruby Gossage and Edna Wells won the Wall of Reflections Award.

In Cabonne, awards were presented in each town and village. In Borenore-Nashdale, Vandre Ingham won the Citizen of the Year Award and the Nashdale CWA was named Community Group of the Year. In Canowindra, Young Citizen of the Year went to Joanna Balcombe, and Citizen of the Year went to Michael Harrison. Community Group of the Year went to the Canowindra Challenge, which organises the balloon challenge in Canowindra every year. It was a privilege to join the folks in Canowindra for those celebration.

In Cargo, Beverley Sargent was named Citizen of the Year, and the Cargo Blue Heelers took out the Community Group of the Year, famous sporting group and club that it is. In Cudal, Bronte Chown was named Young Citizen of the Year. Cath Kearney was named Citizen of the Year. The Cudal Soccer Club was named Community Group of the Year. In Cumnock, Citizen of the Year went to Kerrie Christie and the Community Group of the Year was the Cumnock Public School Crunch and Sip Volunteers.

In Manildra, Zac Reimer was named Young Citizen of the Year, and the Manildra Men’s Shed was named Community Group of the Year. Well done to President John Farr and the team. They cook a great batch of scones. In Molong, Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Sarah Hobbs. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ian Gosper. Good on you, Gossie! Community Group of the Year was awarded to the Amalgamation No Thank You Committee.

In Mullion Creek, Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Sophie Gorman. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Janelle Culverson, who has served her local community with distinction for many years. The Community Group of the Year was awarded to the Mullion Creek and District Progress Association. In Yeoval, Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Blake Cameron. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Nikki Tremain-Hennock. Community Group of the Year went to the Little River Landcare Group. In Eugowra, Britney Dukes was named Young Citizen of the Year. Viv McMillan was named Citizen of the Year. The Eugowra Community Biggest Morning Tea Group was named Community Group of the Year.

I would like to recognise Wilfred Norris of Eugowra, who was awarded an OAM for his service to heritage preservation. Mr Norris is a member of the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre and has also donated various items. He was involved in the Australian Draught Horse Stud Book Society, a founder of the Golden Plough (Horse Drawn) Ploughing Competition, a member of the restoration group Braveheart Wagon and also very active in many other community groups. Congratulations to all of the award winners. (Time expired)