Aus day in Murrumbidgee

“Our children, our school leaders, our multi-talented sporting individuals and teams, and our selected citizens have all in their unique, committed and generous way made a valuable and significant contribution.

“Deviating from how we usually gather and celebrate Australia Day is disappointing, but by no means less significant.’’

Murrumbidgee’s Australia Day ambassador Viv Kartsounis, though unable to attend in person, delivered a video message.

To watch her Australia Day address, visit: https://fb.watch/aP7ZfNtxPy/.

Cr McRae said it was their ‘‘sincerest hope’’ that celebrating Australia Day 2023 would see a return ‘‘to how our individual towns love to do so’’.

Separate celebrations and awards were announced for each of Murrumbidgee Council’s three wards: Jerilderie, Darlington Point and Coleambally.

Jerilderie:

Carmen Lawton was awarded the Citizen of the Year award for Jerilderie.

She was acknowledged for her continued support and volunteer work.

Over many years, Mrs Lawton has volunteered her time to the Jerilderie Swim Club, Jerilderie Netball Club, Jerilderie Football Club, Jerilderie Preschool, Jerilderie Tennis Club and Jerilderie Cricket Club.

‘‘Carmen is passionate about the education of children and has been actively involved in raising funds to provide students and teachers at Jerilderie Public School with better resources and amenities,’’ Cr McRae said.

Mrs Lawton has organised fundraising events such as the highly successful Open Gardens Day. She is also the current treasurer of Finley High School P&C and a member of their executive committee and their cantene convenor.

‘‘All testimonials provided in support of Carmen, speak of her generosity and her capacity to organise people and events, while generating a positive environment and promoting team spirit,’’ Cr McRae said.

‘‘Carmen is a selfless person, who not only invests heavily in her town and community, but is generous in giving of her time to assist her family and friends.’’

Other award recipients for Jerilderie included:

Darlington Point:

Gavin Gilbert received the Darlington Point Citizen of the Year award.

A sitting councillor and avid community member, Cr Gilbert has been instrumental in organising the Riverina Redneck Rally since 2017, which has to date raised $1.5 million for Country Hope.

He was also the main organiser of the Redneck River Run, with this year’s event raising another $7460 for Country Hope.

‘‘Along with his wife, Tammy, he spends months of each year organising these events, which are not only a source of valuable funds for Country Hope, but also build friendships and camaraderie,’’ Cr McRae said.

Other award recipients for Darlington Point were:

Coleambally:

Allison Hayes was awarded the Citizen of the Year for Coleambally.

She has been an active member of the Coleambally community for many years, contributing to numerous groups and organisations including the Coleambally Football Netball Club, the Junior Touch Football Committee, Coleambally Central School P&C, Coleambally 50th Birthday Committee, St Peters P&F, and the Australia Day Committee, of which she is currently chair.

In 2021, Ms Hayes planned the successful running of the Frocktober fundraising event for ovarian cancer which raised around $5000 for ovarian cancer research and also raised awareness of ovarian cancer.

She also continues to support the running of the CFNC canteen.

Other award recipients for Coleambally were: