26-01-2022
Big crowds and good weather were the order of the day for Australia Day 2022 across the Shire.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor Pam Kensit said it was great to be able to have a proper Australia Day celebration, even if there were regulations that had to be observed.
“It was just a lovely day overall,” she said.
“And it was great to have the Governor-General and his wife, Mr Tomalaris and his wife, and our local members able to attend and participate.”
Gunning and Crookwell hosted their traditional Australia Day ceremonies while Taralga hosted a series of activities, including a car, bike and truck show, to raise money for a BiPap machine for young Beau Cosgrove.
Gunning
Gunning’s ceremony, emceed by former Mayor John Shaw, got underway at 8am with a Lions Club breakfast, followed by Australia Day Award presentations from 8.45am.
Mr Shaw introduced Pastor Ellen Manwaring who provided a prayer of thanks, and then Aboriginal Elder Joel Bulger was invited to give the Welcome to Country.
Mayor Kensit welcomed everyone to the celebrations before introducing Australia Day Ambassador, former SBS journalist and broadcaster Michael Tomalaris, who spoke of his fondness for Australia and then assisted in the presentation of awards.
Crookwell
The Crookwell event started at midday, with Their Excellencies The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Hurley arriving a little after at 1pm.
Mr Tomalaris again invited Joel Bulger to give the Welcome to Country before introducing the Governor-General.
The Governor-General spoke about his love of Australia Day, his gratitude for being able to visit the Shire and mentioned a former connection via rugby when he used to play with RMC Duntroon.
He then conducted the Citizenship Ceremony after inviting Member for Hume Angus Taylor to deliver a message from Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Services, Alex Hawke MP.
Following the Citizenship Ceremony, Crookwell performer Mariah K sang the national anthem.
Mr Tomalaris then invited Their Excellencies to present the Australia Day Awards along with Mayor Pam Kensit and Deputy Mayor Mandy McDonald.
Shire Sportsperson of the Year, Manly-Warringah first grader and former local junior Lachlan Croker, assisted with the junior sportsperson Award, and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman announced the junior and senior Citizen of the Year awards.
Following the completion of the award presentations, cakes were cut by the official party and members of Crookwell’s CWA associations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Country Women’s Association, and Mrs Hurley sang a song she wrote for the CWA and which has been adopted by the organisation some time ago.
A series of fun events, including thong-throwing, crafts, egg and spoon races and a jumping castle ran across the day and Rich Pitcher performed across the afternoon.
The winners of the Australia Day Awards were as follows:
Shire Awards:
- Shire Sportsperson of the Year – Lachlan Croker
- Shire Young Sportsperson of the Year – Jack Page
- Shire Event of the Year – Vicar of Dibley (CADS)
Taralga Awards:
- Taralga Citizen of the Year – Prue Burfitt
- Taralga Event of the Year – 135th Annual Taralga Show (Taralga AP&H Association)
Gunning Awards:
- Gunning Citizen of the Year – Kathy Johnson
- Gunning Young Citizen of the Year – Angus MacKay
- Gunning Event of the Year – Gentleman’s Lunch (Gunning District Community Health Service)
Crookwell Awards:
- Crookwell Citizen of the Year – Helen Campbell
- Crookwell Young Citizen of the Year – Tyson Allwright
- Crookwell Event of the Year – ‘Bauhaus to My House’ (Crookwell Men’s Shed)