LOCALS gathered for Australia Day breakfasts in Donnybrook, Kirup and Balingup on the morning of Monday January 26.
All three breakfasts attracted plenty of locals, with more than 300 turning up to attend the Donnybrook event at the Apex Park.
Shire President Steve Dilley spoke about the significance of Australia Day to the crowd. He acknowledged Indigenous sensitivities to commemorations of Europeans first landing in Australia, and said there were other significant moments in Australian history that could be celebrated and remembered, such as Federation and the battle at Gallipoli.
“We are lucky to have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and to live in a democracy,” he said.
“We have immigrants from all over the world, which makes Australia what it is today.”
Balingup local Shelley Gillespie then took her oath of citizenship in front of the crowd.
Boyanup local Danika Gansberg sang the National Anthem and Waltzing Matilda before the Active Citizenship Awards were presented.
“The Premiers Australia Day Awards and are integral to fostering community pride,” Cr Dilley said.
The Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award was awarded to Noelene King, a lifelong resident of Balingup, for her years of service and involvement to many organisations starting with sporting clubs, the school, the church, service organisations, community events, CWA, singing and historical groups and various Shire advisory committees. Mrs King assists many elderly residents in the community.
There were dual winners of the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 years. Tiffany Blackman, a year 9 student at Donnybrook District High School showed great leadership and enthusiasm as the team leader of the successful WA Model Solar Car Challenge. Tiffany’s team recently won the State title.
Georgia Tassone, a year 10 student from Donnybrook District High School, showed great leadership and enthusiasm as the team leader of the successful WA ITC Global Electric Vehicle Challenge. Georgia’s team recently won the State A Class title.
The Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a community group or event was awarded to the Balingup Small Farm Field Day (SFFD) Committee for 25 years of service and support to the local community. The SFFD’s success has allowed them to generate surplus funds, which they generously distribute back to local community and service groups through their own small grants program.
Highly commended certificates were presented to seven locals.
Lloyd Thomas was recognised for his outstanding commitment towards enhancing all aspects of the Kirup Townsite, including encouragement to local businesses. Mr Thomas is the President of the Kirup Progress Association, a position he has held for many years.
Mary Bagley and Diane Cross received awards for their work in committing significant time each week to keep the Donnybrook townsite and the Donnybrook Cemetery clean and tidy by collecting rubbish and weeding.
Mark Abbott was recognised for community minded acts of kindness. Although having been a resident of Donnybrook for a short time, Mr Abbott is involved with Meals on Wheels, Home and Community care, Donnybrook Football Club and provides assistance to local youth.
Ruth and Karen Johnson were recognised for their volunteer work in enhancing the gardens at Preston Village.
Gwendoline Nidd was recognised for her work with many committees since coming to Donnybrook. These include her role as Shire Councillor, the Community Resource Centre, Donnybrook District High School P&C, Donnybrook Seniors Social Club, Donnybrook Regional Tourism Association and the Donnybrook Apple Festival.
The Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards are awarded every year and nominations for the 2016 awards open later this year.
