Australia Day Awards

Puddin Bugmy and Jordan Martin were the joint winners in the Young Australian of the Year Award for Wilcannia. Citizen of the year was Chris Elliott and the Event of the Year was the NAIDOC Ball.

Australian Day celebrations were smaller this year in Wilcannia, with around 50 people attending the family fun afternoon at the swimming pool.

Instead of the traditional gum boot throwing, swimming races were held for the children. Prizes, some of which were donated by former shire employee Joy Walker who sent down a large collection of small prizes. The most popular were the pencil cases in football team colours.

The gate prize of 3 small electrical items was won by Rashaun Harris-Wilson. The prize was courtesy of Central Darling Shire Council Australia Day grant and Patrick Cunningham at the Liberty Roadhouse. 

Organisers would like to thank Jim   , new principal for St. Thereses, Sandra Bradley, new Central School Principal and her husband “JB” for their help on the day. It is inspiring to see new comers to our town step up and contribute to community activities.

White Cliffs held their awards ceremony at the Swimming Pool. Councillor Liversidge presented the awards in front of 20 local residents.

Photo top: Puddin (Valerie) Bugmy receives her certificate from Councilor Eammon Sammon

Centre: Jordan Martin and Eammon

Lower: Lindsay White and  Cree Marshall at the White Cliffs Awards ceremony.

Full list of recipients

Wilcannia

Chris Elliott – Citizen of the Year

Hospital Auxiliary  for 7 years  catering functions to raise money for much needed equipment for Wilcannia Hospital

Worked on the Wilcannia News since inception in 2004

Organise Remembrance and Anzac Days

Co-Organises Australia Day Celebrations

Contribution to tourism & promotion of the town.

Valerie Bugmy  –  Young Citizen of the Year

Valerie has a strong work ethic and brings joy to the young children she works with.

Her dedication to Early Childhood

Jordan Martin – Young Citizen of the Year

Being an outstanding young citizen of the community

Event of the Year: ­ NAIDOC Ball 2012

White Cliffs

Anne Baker – Citizen of the Year

Organiser of the Country Music Festival since it started 3 years ago.

Secretary of the White Cliffs Sports Club for 4 years

Arranging & organising of other events such as the Memorial Golf days, Red Hat dinner meetings, Artists travel & accommodation for the Art Festival. (photo opposite)Anne Baker – Citizen of the Year

Event of the Year: The Underground Art Festival

Ivanhoe

Ron Maiden - Citizen of the Year 

Ron has been the SES Controller in Ivanhoe for many years. His assistance in helping with flooding in Ivanhoe & rural properties in Feb-March 2012      Organising the pumping of water out of the main street

Judith Turner – Citizen of the Year

Her willingness to assist with any organization within the community, and a long time worker for the C.W.A. and Hospital Auxiliary

Menindee

Tony Cicak – Citizen of the Year

Tony has been a dedicated member of the Menindee Rural Volunteer Fire Services for many years, he always makes himself available.

Colin Radford ­­­ – Citizen of the Year

Mr Radford is recognised & respected in the Menindee community for his lifetime of volunteering and giving back to his beloved community. He with others contributed willingly to building our community.

Anthony Cicak –  Young Citizen of the Year

Encouraged youth’s to send care packages to soldiers & dogs on the front line for Xmas.

Helping injured animals

Recycling bottles & cans to fundraise

Kerri-Lee Briar – Young Citizen of the Year

In the last 12 month she has joined the Menindee State Emergency Service group & undertaken training to assist in the community with General Rescues & storm damage. Kerri-Lee has also completed a Cert.111 in Home & Community Care.

Event of the Year: Anzac Day Preparations and upkeep of area