Gunnedah celebrated sporting, cultural and community achievements at the annual Australia Day Awards on Friday night.
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The award winners were announced at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday night, with special guests two-time world superbike champion Warwick Nowland and The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education.
Australia Day Committee chair and deputy mayor Rob Hooke said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate those who had made a significant contribution to the local community.
“The recipients and nominees of this year’s Australia Day Awards deserve to be recognised for their excellence, dedication and tireless efforts to make the Gunnedah shire a better place,” Cr Hooke said.
“Woven throughout all facets of this community one can find a helping hand, a kind word, a feeling of safety and above all a sense of belonging and this can be seen from the diversity and number of nominees we have received.
“Our wonderful volunteers define who we are and help make this such a vibrant, progressive and caring society and lay down the fabric for us all to grow and prosper.”
2019 Australia Day Award winners
- Young Citizen of the Year Award: Haylee Murrell
- Citizen of the Year Award (21-40 years): Kate McGrath
- Citizen of the Year Award (40+ years): George Avard
- Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award: Michael Broekman
- Cultural Award: Ronald McLean
- Community Organisation Achievement Award: Gunnedah Show Society
- Community Event Achievement Award: Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
- Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Ron Rickard
- Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Award: Adam McGuirk
- Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award: Zoe Fleming
- Junior Sports Team of the Year Award: St Mary’s College Boys Tennis Team
Throughout the evening, the Gunnedah Youth Choir and Jac Dalton performed.
The Hon. Sarah Mitchell presented a number of the awards and shared her thoughts on Australia Day with the NVI.
“Every individual person in Australia contributes to the beauty of our nation; from people in our remote communities, regional cities and capital cities; from those who have lived here for generations and to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home,” Minister Mitchell said.
“I believe Australia is richer for its diversity, and whilst there is always more to be done to encourage seamless integration of all cultures, we are miles ahead of many other parts of the world.”
“As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I understand this day can be difficult for Aboriginal people right across the state. That’s why I believe any celebration that takes part on Australia Day needs to be one that’s inclusive of all Australians.”
