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)
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