27-01-2008
Australia Day 2008 saw the Upper Lachlan Shire blessed with great weather, enthusiastic large crowds and the awarding of numerous Australia Day Awards.
Of special mention was the Order of Australia awarded to David Maxwell Keith Of Glendale, Taralga. Mr Keith received the award recognition for his work in the community particularly in the areas or aged care, church, sporting and in aid of various civic groups.
Mr Keith, a third generation sheep and cattle farmer has been the President of the Philip Chalker Sunset Lodge aged care facility since 1984, the Vice President from 1977 to 1984. an Elder of St Stephens Presbyterian Church for 35 years and as their treasurer for 30 of those years, the captain of the Burra Lake Bushfire Brigade and a member of the Taralga Day Rodeo Committee. He is also a former member of the Taralga Small Schools Sports Association, member of the Save our Bank committee, Retain our Mail committee and a foundation member of the Southern Tablelands Vintage Farm Machinery Club.
Shire Citizen of the Year
Upper Lachlan Shire Citizen of the Year was awarded to Crookwell resident, Frank Willis. Frank was noted for his work as Councillor from 1971 to 1987. He was the Shire president 1974 until 1980, working to improve the sporting facilities for the young people in Crookwell. He was also a driving force behind the creation of the Grabine State
Recreational area and served as a nominated trustee for a number of years. From 1969 until 1972 he acted as the district councillor representing the Southern Region of the Potato Growers Of NSW.
Frank was a founding member of Crookwell APEX Club starting the club 1955 and serving until 1969, when he was awarded life membership. As the club’s President he was instrumental in the construction of the Crookwell Swimming Pool, and lead the community effort to develop a children’s ward at the Crookwell Hospital. Other community activities included his work with the Crookwell Rugby Club from 1965 to the present. In 1994 Rotary Club made Frank a presentation of the Paul Harris Fellowship first time a non-Rotarian received such an award.
His most outstanding contribution to his community was the development of the Crookwell Frail Aged facilities, which is culminating in the construction of the combined Harley and Banfield frail aged complex now being constructed at the Old Crookwell saleyards site. A building that will cost $7 million to construct and will make available 44 beds.
Shire Young Citizen of the Year
This year’s Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Crookwell resident, Andrew Palmer. Andrew was selected because of his work within the community representing Crookwell High School in debating and public speaking and his work as a peer support leader in which he assisted with the training and encouragement of younger players. Andrew is an active member of the St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church and leader in the Anglican Youth Group.
Selected for the Australian U 16, All Schools Hockey team in 2007, Andrew was named Player of the Tournament at the 2007 Australian Championships in Melbourne, players player for the NSW team as Vice Captain. He was also named as Sportsman of the Year at Crookwell High in 2005 and 2006.
Shire Event of the Year
Upper Lachlan Shire Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Gunning Water Summit. The event was organised by the Jerrawa Creek Landcare Group, which consists Of 40 members covering the Gunning, Dalton and Jerrawa areas.
Concerned about the effects of drought, climate change, the group decided to take action via a community meeting to discuss how to protect their future group enlisted the support Of Greening Australia, CSIRO, Land and Water Australia, the Lachlan Catchment Authority and others. A turnout of 150 people drew attention of a national issue and possible means to address the situation on a local level.