BOTH the Darlington Point and Coleambally Australia Day celebrations were well supported this year, with a great turn out at both towns.
Young and old were represented, colourfully and proudly wearing or flying our flag.
The Coleambally celebrations started with a delicious breakfast cooked by the Coleambally Lions at McInnes Square.
The Darlington Point Lions cooked up a tasty lunch to end the formal celebrations at Darlington Point, which were held at CWA Park.
Murrumbidgee Shire ambassador Susie Elelman gave a very entertaining and thought-provoking speech.
Susie said she enjoyed her time in the Murrumbidgee Shire and thought both towns were lovely and a credit to their communities.
Darlington Point residents proved you don’t have to live in a community for years to make a difference.
Helpful local John Heath was named the Point’s 2011 Citizen of the Year for his tireless efforts at Anglicare and as a member of the Darlington Point Lions.
Despite only living in the Point for a few years, Mr Heath
is well known around the town and is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks for it.
Coleambally man Eddie Rooks took out the Citizen of the
Year award in Coleambally for his tireless work in the community.
Eddie is president of Coleambally’s Men Shed and has been president of the RSL sub-branch for the last four years.
He has represented the RSL at various functions, conducted Anzac and Remembrance Day services and promoted the involvement of partners in activities.
Eddie is current treasurer of St Pauls Close Aged Care Units, treasurer for St Mark’s Anglican Church and lay minister at St Mark’s.
Rachel Guest was honoured with Young Citizen of the Year for her public speaking achievements, involvement with the local church group and parish council and running craft afternoons for the town’s younger children.
Coleambally Young Citizen of the Year went to Mathew Mannes who is currently completing his gold level Duke of Edinburgh award and is a great guide and mentor for younger students commencing the program.
At the Fusion Drop-In Centre, Mathew has demonstrated that he is dependable, trustworthy, caring and compassionate.
He has great potential and is a quiet achiever who makes things happen.
Event of the year award went to the Darlington Point Public School debating team, who were winners of the B
division Griffith and district Community of Schools debating competition.
In Coleambally, the Event of the Year award went to the Riverina Vintage Machinery Field Days.
With great success, the group held its tenth biennial
vintage machinery day in Coleambally, with over 2000 people passing through the gates over two days.
Many local organisations and business benefited through catering, raffles, stalls and supervising parking.
Coleambally’s cultural award went to Lisa Turner for her dedication to her art.
Lisa was accepted into the NSW Public Schools State Dance Ensemble at the beginning of 2011.
For a student of Lisa’s young age to be accepted into the state indicates her superior level of accomplishment.
Throughou t the year she preformed at the State Dance Festival, Education Week launch and Schools Spectacular where she performed in five dances.
Lisa’s passions for dance and commitment have allowed her to achieve an exceptional standard at such a young age.
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