27-01-2011
The presentations of the Australia Day Awards are an integral part Of Australia Day. They recognise and honour the outstanding achievements and celebrate the excellence of the 2011 ULSC Australia Day Citizens, Young Citizens and Events of the Year.
Citizens of the Year
Shire – Dr Ramaswamy Thangavelu
Dr. Thangavelu, or Dr. Velu as he is affectionately known, was recognised as the Shire’s Citizen of the Year. Dr. Velu has given over 33 years of service to the Upper Lachlan Community. Early in his career in Crookwell, Dr. Velu was the only full-time Doctor, and was required to deal 24 hours a day seven days a week with the demands of a 35-bed hospital.
Dr Velu is known as a strong, humble, and tireless worker who has dedicated his life to the health and well-being of the greater Crookwell community. He truly is a worthy candidate for this year’s Citizen of the Year. Dr. Velu was also recognised for his contributions to the community with an OAM, Member of the Order of Australia.
Crookwell Citizen Of the Year – Beryl Croker
Beryl Croker was acknowledged as the Crookwell Citizen of the Year. Beryl was nominated for her continued activities including junior sports, care of the elderly, the Crookwell Hospital, Viewhaven Lodge and the Community Trust. Beryl is noted as a hard worker With an ability to get things done.
Gunning Citizen of the Year – David Hallam
David Hallam was recognised as the Gunning Citizen of the Year. David has served the Gunning area as an Honorary Fire Control Officer, Group Captain for the Southern Tableland Zone in the Upper Lachlan Shire Council area and is currently Chairman Of the Zone Bush Fire Management Committee. David is also a dedicated worker for the NSW Farmers Federation.
Taralga Citizen of the Year – Kath Heath
Kath Heath was honoured as the Taralga Citizen Of the Year. Kath, known for her warm and friendly personality, has been there for those her community are suffering from illness. Seventy-nine years old, Kath not only gives moral support but also lends a hand to help those in need with any chore that needs to be done. Kath is also a member of the Taralga Red Cross and regularly visits residents in the local aged care facility.
Young Citizen of the Year
Nataasha Lewis of Gunning was the Young Citizen Of the Nataasha was recognised as an excellent role model for young people with interests and abilities in a number of areas. She has displayed very strong community spirit as evidenced with her involvement in the Argyle and Lieder Theatres, Lions Club, WIRES, and the local show society, She has done all this while studying at Trinity College and working in a local restaurant.
Events of the year
Shire & Crookwell Event of the Year
The Race that stopped a nation stopped at Crookwell. The Melbourne Cup Tour as the Event Of the Year and Crookwell event of the year. Organised by the Crookwell and District Picnic Race Committee, the 149 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour Visited only four country towns in NSW with Crookwell the last town to be visited before the cup went back to Flemington. The Committee’s efforts were supported by community groups. businesses and local schools, Community involvement included a parade, on main street Of Crookwell. Horse shoe hay bale races, and a free BBQ served by Committee members. The
event was finished off with a champagne dinner hosted by racing identity John Letts.
Gunning Event of the Year – Wool, Wine and Jazz
The Wool Wine and Jazz was Gunning’s Event of the Year. The evening combined the district’s fine wool industry With young people modeling garments and the formal announcement of the 2010 Showgirl. Over 200 people attended the social evening with food, wine and music all arranged by the Gunning Public School’s P&I committee.
Taralga Event of the Year – Australia Day Rodeo and Campdraft
Taralga Australia Day Rodeo and Campdrafi was that town’s Event Of the Year. In its fiftieth year this Australia Day Celebration has grown from a one day event into a three day celebration of Australian stockmen. The event featured over 300 competitors in the campdrafting events and a further 21K) in the various rodeo events. Visitors are drawn from the region across the country and from overseas. Proceeds from the event go to support of the Sunset Lodge