NAMBUCCA Valley Council honoured outstanding members of the local community at its National Celebration Day Awards held on 25 January at Nambucca Heads RSL Club.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements during the past year and contributions to the local community over a number of years.

The Celebration Day Awards ceremony provides an opportunity to show appreciation for those who have devoted time and energy to the community, and to applaud the endeavours of those who have achieved success in sports and cultural fields.

Guests were entertained by the Nambucca District Band with Barry Noble as they entered the club, and Barry sang the National Anthem early in the program.

The Welcome to Country, presented by esteemed elder Raylene Ballangarry, was followed by another warm welcome from the Mayor, Cr Rhonda Hoban OAM.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey assisted the Mayor in the presentation of the Awards, praising the strong community spirit in the Nambucca Valley.

“Congratulations to all nominations; such brilliant people throughout the Valley,” said Ms Pavey.

In his address, Celebration Day Ambassador and Superbike Champion Warwick Nowland took us along on his journey from country kid to double world champion and a place on the world stage.

It was an extraordinary achievement by an ordinary Australian, and a fitting parallel with the citizens being honoured on this National Celebration Day – ordinary Australians who have stepped up to do extraordinary things for their community.

Awards were presented in several categories.

Citizen of the Year: Rodney Edwards

Indigenous Citizen of the Year: Michelle Jarrett

Junior Citizen of the Year: Joshua Callaway

Junior Sports Team: Nambucca Valley Lions AFL 15s

Senior Sports Person: Jim McCullagh

Cultural Achievement: Nelli Gallop-Brennan

Good Neighbours: Ursula Goodwin, Brian and Robyn Mulvihill, David Martin, Greg Tutt, Peter Trisley, Brigid Stenberg, Doug Young, Graham Gosson

Services to the Community: Eddie Frankel, Gaille Smith, Sonia McEwen, Kathleen Crawley, Betty Stockham, Rhonda Johnstone – Valley Line Dancers, Kyeewa Bushwalkers, Anglican Parish Nambucca Valley.

 

By Susan KONTIC