27-01-2010
Australia Day, the official national day of Australia, commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.
This year’s Australia Day Ambassador was Masters Athlete 2009 IAAF World Athlete Of the Year. Marie Kay. Marie is the holder of 8 World Record, 18 25 Australian Records. 27 World Titles. 41 Oceania Titles and 67 Australian Titles.
During the day Marie was greeted by festive crowds and great weather across the three venues starting with breakfast at Gunning’s Barbour Park, mid-morning tea in Crookwell and lunch at Taralga’s Camp-Drafting event.
Citizens of the Year
Shire – Mary Chalker
Mary was for her years of service to several Taralga district organisations, including the Taralga Historical Society (from 1972), retiring as its President in 2008. Mary has seen many improvements to the Society including a sandstone memorial to the young people or the District who have. over the years. tragically lost their lives, to the Wombie Room, which stores the Society’s archives and more recently the Society’s Heritage Shed.
Mary is also a member of the Richlands Red Cross. holding a long service medal from that organisation. As well she has been a member of the CAVA for many years, Some Of Which were In an executive position.
Taralga – Scott Craig
Gunning – John Duncan
Crookwell – Julienne Belford
Young Citizen of the Year
Shire – Brydie Malone
Brydie Malone was chosen as the Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year for her work throughout Gunning and the District. Brydie impressed the Gunning AP&l’s show-goers and was elected the Gunning 2009 Showgirl of the Year. She also organised, in February 2009, the very Successful Blue Light Disco for Gunning’s young people. This Disco raised funds for the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal. Brydie Was responsible for organising another disco, this time to encourage young people of the district to participate in the Workshop.
Brydie is presently a full-time university student at Australian National University.
Event of the Year
Shire – Crookwell Health and Wellbeing Expo
Health and Well Being Expo was awarded the Shire’s Event Of the Year because of its success in bringing agencies, groups, organisations. and business representatives to Crookwell so that residents of the Shire would be aware of the health services that can be accessed by our local residents.
Forty information stands provided information and contact details of a wide range of related services plus welfare support. Over 300 people attended the Expo.