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

Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise some of our outstanding citizens and community groups. Today I'd like to recognise the Australia Day award winners from the Cabonne shire in the Calare electorate.

In Borenore and Nashdale, Beau Westcott was named Young Citizen of the Year. Sian Jacobs was named Citizen of the Year. Sian is a member of the RFS and the CWA. Australian National Field Days was named Community Group of the Year.

In Canowindra, William Wright was named Young Citizen of the Year. He'd received the Victor Chang award for outstanding achievement in science. Leanne Stevenson was named Citizen of the Year. Leanne works with the local Rugby League club and is a life member of the local Tigers. Well done, Leanne! The Canowindra Creative Centre received the Community Group of the Year award.

In Cargo, Citizen of the Year went to Rodney Wilson, who volunteers with the local SES and RFS. The Community Group of the Year went to the Cargo Village Markets.

In Cudal, Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Marlee Nixon. The 2019 Citizen of the Year was awarded to David Farrell. David devotes his time to the Cudal Show and the Men's Shed, amongst many other worthy causes. Community Group of the Year went to the Cabonne Food Wine & Cultural Centre.

In Cumnock, Carol Kerr was named Citizen of the Year for her involvement with the Cumnock & District Progress Association. Cumnock Red Cross was named Community Group of the Year. Environmental Champion of the Year went to the Cumnock P&C, which has been collecting cans and bottles for the Return and Earn program.

In Eugowra, Katie Townsend was named Young Citizen of the Year. Katie was recognised for her community spirit. Catherine Eppelstun was named Citizen of the Year. Cathy is Principal of St Joseph's Catholic school. Community Group of the Year went to the Eugowra Show Society, which continues to put on a fantastic event each and every year.

In Manildra, Toby Gibson was named Manildra's Young Citizen of the year. Toby is an active member of the Manildra Rugby League club and the Manildra swimming club. The swimming club was named Community Group of the Year.

In Molong, Matthew Beuzeville was named Young Citizen of the Year for Molong. He was the captain of Molong Central School in 2018. Citizen of the Year was awarded to Dr Robin Williams for his outstanding work with the HealthOne facility and the MPS. The St John Ambulance Cadets Molong Division was named Community Group of the Year.

In Mullion Creek, Banika Smee was named Citizen of the Year. She is secretary of the Mullion Creek & District Progress Association and trust. The March RFS Brigade was named Community Group of the Year.

In Yeoval, Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Sydney Tremain. He was school captain at Yeoval Central School in 2018. Philip Hunter was named Citizen of the Year. Phil is president of the Yeoval Show Society. Yeoval Swimming Club took out the Community Group of the Year award.

Congratulations and well done to all of the Australia Day nominees and award winners in the Calare electorate. Our country communities simply could not operate without such wonderful community members and community groups. They are truly the glue that holds our country communities together. I congratulate them all in this House today.