STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 7pm 26 JANUARY 2016
Official Party comprising:
Mayor Ian Gosper
Australia Day Ambassador Dr Sue Woolfe
Cabonne’s 2016 Youth Ambassador Sarah Cohen
Promotion & Tourism Officer Lynne Hawkes
TIMETABLE OF EVENTS THAT OFFICIAL PARTY WILL BE ATTENDING.
Village
Cumnock
Molong
Eugowra
Location
Function in
front of the
Bowling Club
Molong
Recreational
Ground
Time
8.00am
Eugowra
Community
Bowling Club
2.30pm
11.00am
Attending
Official Party
Clr Wilcox
Clr Dean
Official Party
Clr Nash
Official Party
Clr Culverson
Details
Awards Presentation, Flag
Raising and Prayer Service,
followed by Breakfast
BBQ Breakfast 8.30am
11am Awards Presentation
and Flag Raising Service.
An Australia themed Rock
Decorating Competition.
The Opening of the Picket
Fence with Andrew Gee MP
Limited overs cricket match,
Damper Competition, Water
Slide and Lunch.
Awards Presentation, Flag
Raising and Prayer Service
followed by Afternoon Tea
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 1 of 20
DR SUE WOOLFE
Sue Woolfe is the author of four novels, including the acclaimed best-selling,
internationally translated Leaning Towards Infinity, which won Australia’s
distinguished prize, the Christina Stead Award, for the year it was published, as well
as the Asia Pacific Region section of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was
shortlisted for the Tip Tree prize in the US. It was short-listed for almost every major
Australian prize. It was translated into French, Italian, and Dutch, and in 1999 was
named in Australia as one of the most important books of the century. Her first
novel, Painted Woman was also nominated for the Commonwealth Prize, and was
runner-up in the Australian Bicentennial Award in the year of publication. It was
republished several times, including in France in 2007 where it was published in
translation. She has adapted both novels for ABC radio, for the professional stage,
and Leaning Towards Infinity has been optioned for a film in the US. Her third
novel, The Secret Cure, is currently being adapted for an opera. Her fourth
novel, The Oldest Song in the World has just been published in Australia and New
Zealand, and currently is only available there.
Until recently Sue Woolfe taught Creative Writing at Sydney University, but now
holds classes and workshops exploring a unique method of creating stories,
combining a novelist’s practical know-how with what cognitive science reveals about
creative thinking. She has co-authored, to acclaim, Making Stories: How Ten
Australian Novels Were Written (1991) and more recently, as solo author: The
Mystery of the Cleaning Lady: a Novelist looks at Neuroscience and
Creativity (2007).
And most nights, she dances Tango, Argentinian style.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 2 of 20
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SUZANNE O’BRIEN
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CUMNOCK GOLF CLUB
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BEN BROWN
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SUE WILD
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – MOLONG COUNTRY
WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – DUGALD WRIGHT
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – EUGOWRA COMMUNITY
DRIVERS GROUP
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 3 of 20
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SUZANNE O’BRIEN
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Sue has lived in Cumnock since 1967 and is heavily involved in the
community.
Sue was a secondary teacher in Home Economics and Needlework which led
her to a passion to teach local women to sew.
Sue has always been a keen supporter of the Country Women’s Association
and is currently the Branch President but has held other executive roles over
the years.
She gives her time to the Cumnock School as a judge for their Public
Speaking Event and has also been to Bathurst to judge the finals of the event.
Sue has held the position of Steward of the Art & Craft section of the
Cumnock Show for many years and always assists in the kitchen at the show
as well as many other community events throughout the year.
Sue is a member of the Red Cross and helps with fundraising and other
events.
Captain of the Ladies Golf Club and also on the committee of the Western
District Golf Association, Sue travels to tournaments throughout the state
representing Cumnock.
 Sue is also a member of the Cumnock Progress Association and helps
fundraising projects for the community as well as volunteers as a Library
Officer.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CUMNOCK GOLF CLUB
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Cumnock Golf Club is completely operated by local volunteers.
The club hosts a golf run every Sunday and many events throughout the year,
including inter town challenges and district delays.
All the catering for events held at the club are carried out by a small group of
women who do an excellent job
The building is used by the Cumnock Community to host events such as
weddings, birthdays and many other functions and the volunteers make sure
the club and grounds are maintained in an exceptional manner and recently
they have undertaken repairs and maintenance to the club house to ensure it
has a bright future.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 4 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BENJAMIN BROWN
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Ben was elected School Captain of Molong Central School in 2013 after
attending the school since kindergarten and was known for being an excellent
role model and for leading by example.
Ben received the Cabonne Council Youth of the Month Award in July 2012,
received the NSW Premiers Student Volunteering Diamond Award in 2011
and participated in the Molong Overseas Volunteering Excursion in 2010,
where he helped to build a house and worked in an Agent Orange Centre in
Vietnam.
Since starting school he has participated in Anzac Day ceremonies each year.
Ben has worked at the local SPAR Supermarket for the past 4 years where he
always takes time to assist the elderly members of community by taking
groceries to their cars and stopping to have a chat.
Ben is very active in various sporting clubs in Molong, including Golf, Tennis,
Cricket, Touch Football and Lawn Bowls. He is currently the President of the
Molong Tennis Club and Vice President of the Molong Cricket Association
and the Molong Touch Football Club. He is also on the committee to try and
receive grants for the all purpose facility for sporting clubs in Molong.
Ben also participates in the local Molong Players Association for Community
Theatre where he has been the Stage Manager and a very reliable prompt for
the past 5 years.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SUE WILD
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Sue is the owner and operator of Molong Pharmacy which services Molong
and the surrounding communities and provides a valuable source of
employment and economical security to Molong.
Sue and her husband Cameron own a rural property in the Molong area and
in addition to running a business and working the farm Sue finds time to
volunteer in numerous local community groups and events.
Sue was one of the first members of the Molong Advancement Group (MAG)
and has held an Executive position since its inception in 2001.
Through the MAG Sue has participated in numerous events including the
Molong Village Markets, conducting markets and a silent disco over 2
weekends, assisting with the Luncheon Pavilion at the Molong Show and
organising a ‘stop over’ for the MG Care Club in 2014 providing morning tea.
Sue will also be working with the MAG on Australia Day to cook the BBQ
breakfast which she has also done in previous years.
Sue is also a member of the Small Towns Committee, working tirelessly to
promote small towns in the Cabonne area.
Sue is also on the organising committee for the 100 Mile Dinner and assists
with preparations before, during and after the event.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 5 of 20
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – MOLONG COUNTRY
WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
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Molong Country Women’s Association (Molong CWA) has had a very long
history in the town and district and has been operating since the 1930’s.
The Molong CWA is a model recognised by the NSW State President and
Executive who have talked about the success and style of the Molong CWA at
conferences and board meetings due to the successful recruitment of younger
members.
After a dramatic decline in members (4) due to the retirement of senior
members the association did a call out to the Molong community where they
were able to recruit some 20-30 young women and now the group is filled with
friends, children and babies.
The senior members mentored the new members and took them into their
homes to teach them how to cook for CWA baking competitions which they
have entered and won.
The women of the group have learnt baking and craft skills and this year they
held and International Day focussing on Italian cuisine, costumes and
entertainment, which was an outstanding success.
Each year the CWA holds street stalls and in 2015 raised money that was
donated to the Molong Central School to help a Year 12 female student to
access higher education, to help women and families in drought effected
areas of Australia and to buy sewing machines for women overseas in Nepal
and Africa.
Through the efforts of these women young and old the Molong CWA is
emerging as a new model for today’s needs of women and children living in
rural communities and as a forward, new thinking model for Country Women’s
Associations at the State and International levels.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 6 of 20
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – DUGALD WRIGHT
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Dugald has been volunteering in Eugowra since the 1950’s where he was the
Senior Member of the Eugowra Community Junior Farmers and mentored
younger farmers.
He and his sister won the NSW Junior Farmers Debating Competition going on
to win the National Junior Farmers Debating Competition in Brisbane in 1960.
In 1963, Dugald was the Foundation President of Eugowra Apex Club, where
his efforts over 17 years resulted with him being awarded a lifetime
membership.
In 1962-63, Dugald was the Chairman of the ‘Back to Eugowra Committee’
which staged the ‘First Escort Rock Robbery’ re-enactment and week long
celebrations which raised funds that went towards the construction of the
Eugowra Swimming Pool.
In 1972, Dugald was the Chairmen of the 50 Year Celebration of The Railway’s
Arrival in Eugowra.
In 1979, Dugald was the Chairman of the Eugowra Public School Centenary
Committee. While his children were at school he also played an active role in
the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C).
Dugald was a Director and Chairman of Eugowra Memorial Hospital Board and
was a member and representative of Eugowra in the Cabonne Council Health
Advisory Committee for 14 years.
Dugald has been an active member of the Eugowra Show Society since the
1960’s acting as President from 1988-1997 then again in 2003 and now has a
lifetime membership for his efforts. He was also a member of the Western
Districts Show Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for over 20 years.
Dugald was the Foundation Secretary of the Eugowra Self Care Units
Committee from 1983-2006.
In 2004, Dugald was presented with a 50 years Active Service Medal with the
Trajere Bushfire Brigade.
Dugald is now a member of the Eugowra MPS Centre Management Board.
Dugald has run a successful family farming enterprise whilst managing to be
the forefront leader and advisor in many community committees.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – EUGOWRA COMMUNITY
DRIVING GROUP
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At the time of nomination this group consisted of 4 member, Dora Glasson,
Andrew Dent, the late Pam Archer and the late Mavis McKenzie.
For many years this group had provided an invaluable service to Eugowra’s
dedicating their time and services as community drivers to the elderly and
others who can not transport themselves for medical and other necessary
services.
The volunteers are always prepared to deliver whole hearted assistance and go
above and beyond their official duties in order to help the town and community.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 7 of 20
Timetable for other Villages in Cabonne
Village
Borenore/
Nashdale
Location
Borenore
Railway
Station
Time
11.00am
Attending
Clr Wilcox
Clr Davison
Details
Award Presentations and Flag
Raising followed by a Family BBQ
Canowindr
a
Morris Park
Canowindra
1.30pm
Clr Walker
Award Presentations, followed by the
Canowindra Cup, Family BBQ and
jumping Castle
Cargo
Village Green 10.30am
Cargo
Cabonne
10am
Food & Wine
Cultural
Centre Cudal
Manildra Pool 4.00pm^
Clr MacSmith
Award Presentations, Cutting of
Australia Day Cake, Morning Tea
Awards Presentation followed by
Morning Tea
Mullion Creek 8.00am
Hall –
Outdoor Area
Yeoval Pool
6.00pm
Clr Culverson
Cudal
Manildra
Mullion
Creek
Yeoval
Clr Dean
Clr MacSmith
Clr Treavors
Clr Nash
Clr Culverson
Awards Presentation and Flag
Raising followed by a Pool Party with
a music, a Lions Club BBQ, colouring
competition winners & novelty events
and the Sutton Family Cup Relay.
Guest speaker Matt Bryant.
Entry $2.00 per person.
^Please note that the pool will close
at 3.30pm and re-open for the
celebrations at 4.00pm
Awards Presentation followed by an
Australian BBQ Breakfast
Awards Presentation and Flag
Raising with guest speaker David
Williams, followed by a family BBQ.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - BERNIE DUFFY
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - MATTHEW HARRISON
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - OWEN MCLAUGHLAN
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - ST VINCENTS DE PAUL
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 8 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - SAM BRAND
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - COURTNEY DAVIES
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - GEOFF MONK
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - BEN MITCHELL RUGBY
TRIBUTE
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - HEIDI TOWNSEND
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - BRUCE REYNOLDS
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - MANILDRA SHOW GROUND
TRUST
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - TIFFANY ATKINSON
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - CHELSEA OSTINI
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - THE BEE TEAM
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - JAKE MONK
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - VALERIE MOORE
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - YEOVAL AND DISTRICT
MEN’S SHED
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 9 of 20
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- BERNIE DUFFY
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Bernie has volunteered much of his time over the years and has been a major
contributor to the Borenore Community
Bernie is Secretary of the Borenore Bushfire Brigade
Bernie is also the Secretary of the Borenore Progress Association and played
a major role in establishing this organisation
He is an active participant in most Borenore events including Australia Day
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 10 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- MATTHEW HARRISON
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Matthew will start his final year of school this year as part of the Class of 2016
at Canowindra High School where he has been elected as School Captain in
part due to his well mannered and respective personality.
Matthew is a high achiever academically, gaining one of the top 3 ranks in
almost every one of his classes.
Matthew has recently completed his training with the Rural Fire Service
(Mogong Branch) and has achieved his basic firefighter qualification which he
is looking forward to using should the time arise.
Matthew also excels as a sportsperson, participating in many local sporting
clubs, including Touch Football, Tennis, where he has twice been the BGrade Doubles Champion and Cricket where he is a top order batsman with
the Canowindra Cricket Club.
Matthew also regularly participates in the ANZAC services in Canowindra with
his father, who is the President of the Canowindra RSL Sub Branch.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- OWEN MCLAUGLAN
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Owen has been an advocate for Agricultural Education in Canowindra for over
36 years, motivating students to seek careers in Agriculture and Science.
Owen’s expertise and knowledge is keenly sought after and he has mentored
teachers at Canobolas, Molong, Blayney, Parkes, Trundle and James
Sheehan Catholic High Schools.
Owen, along with 2 other teachers, wrote the new Year 11 and 12 Agricultural
Syllabus in 2011, has been a HSC marker of Agriculture for 16 years and was
selected to be the Supervisor of Marking for 5 years.
Owen initiated Australia’s first School/University link for Agricultural students
in Year 11 across the Central West and helped write the University course for
these students (25% came from Canowindra).
Owen started the ‘Canowindra Salinity Watch Group’, which consisted of
primary and high school students, local farmers and Lions & Apex Club.
Owen was President for 4 years.
Owen has coached Primary and High school students after school for over 22
years and has helped run the junior basketball after school for 5 years. He
has also run Sport and Recreation Holiday Camps for the local students.
He has a strong link to many sporting clubs, acting as President/Secretary of
the Canowindra Football Club for 12 years and President of the Swimming
Club for 3 years and is a keens sportsman himself excelling at Squash,
Tennis, Basketball, Soccer and Hockey.
Owen has been the Officer in Charge for State and Federal elections for 20
years
The McLaughlan family hosted exchange students from various countries
including Switzerland, Belgium and Brazil.
Owen is currently a Chairman of the Canowindra Community Garden.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 11 of 20
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR- ST VINCENTS DE PAUL
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The group consists of two main areas, the shop and the centre.
The shop in Canowindra provides a place where volunteers assist with the
running of the business, community support and financial support to those
who come seeking help.
The volunteers make the shop a social and friendly place where people can
pop in for a chat.
Volunteers maintain the shop so it is kept as an inviting and beautiful
environment where everything is a minimal price with all proceeds made
going towards those in need in the community.
The centre provides welfare, care and support to individuals in need. It
assists with food, clothing, furniture, emergency fuel, accommodation, medical
care, electricity support, a listening ear and home/hospital visits.
The centre supports Canowindra hospital by providing newspapers and
magazines weekly, the St Edwards School through the Bursary program, the
Canowindra Christmas Day Lunch and at Lyndon House through the funding
of the numeracy and literacy program.
St Vincents de Paul Canowindra supports the Canowindra High School’s iPad
Class and the ‘Breaking the Barrier’ program supporting socially or
economically disadvantaged families.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 12 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- SAM BRAND
 Sam is only 11 years old and has already shown himself as an individual who
wants to make a difference.
 Sam is always involved in community events in Cargo and is usually found
helping out behind the scenes and/or participating whole heartedly.
 Despite his own personal challenges, Sam consistently displays a willingness
to be a part of community life and strives to make a difference.
 In 2015, Sam decided to mount a fund raising challenge for himself to raise
$500 for the ‘Give Me 5 For Kids charity because, in Sam’s words, “life is not
so easy for some kids”.
 The completion of Sam’s fundraising saw him shaving his hand and handing
over a staggering $4,600 to the above charity, all of which he single handedly
raised.
 Sam is an inspiration and role model to all who know him and is a credit to the
Cargo community and the Brand family.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 13 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- COURTNEY DAVIES
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Courtney is going into Year 12 at Molong Central School, where she has been
elected Vice-Captain of Molong Central for 2016.
She was recently attended the 2015 Constitution Convention where she met
with other young leaders from around NSW at Parliament House in Canberra.
Courtney excels academically achieving first in class in many subjects and
her school reports always note her strong work ethic and dedication to her
studies.
Courtney has been an active member of the Molong Central School Student
representative Council and acted as treasurer for the 2nd Semester of 2015.
In 2014, Courtney won the ‘Long Tan’ achievement award at the School
Presentation Night.
Courtney has also taken part in community fundraising events such as the
Red Shield Appeal and Relay for Life.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD- GEOFF MONK
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Geoff worked for the Boree Council then later the Cabonne Council for almost
45 years.
He is a member of the Uniting Church and was a Secretary for many years.
Geoff was also an active member of the Young Peoples’ Club run by the
church.
Geoff was a committee member for both the senior and junior cricket teams
for many years.
Geoff was a member of over 10 committees, including, Cudal Bowling Club,
Cudal Musical and Dramatic Society, Orange Male Voice Choir and Cudal
Memorial Hospital (Chairman).
Geoff was on the founding committee of the Cudal Pool and remained on this
committee to ensure the pool was maintained properly.
Described as an avid gardener and true gentleman.
Geoff was and still remains a valued and respected member of the
community.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 14 of 20
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - BEN MITCHELL RUGBY
TRIBUTE COMMITTEE
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After the tragic death of Ben Mitchell, his friends; Lee Cornish, Kurt Adams,
Fred Mitchell, Andrew Watts, Jock Gordon, Murray and Charlie Balcomb and
John Coughlan got together to form a committee to host a Rugby day in his
memory.
The men managed to hold a great day full of fun and Ben’s favourite pastime
to show how much of a great player Ben was as well as a friend to many
people within the community.
None of these men wanted anything in return but have a proud community
wanting to give them recognition.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 15 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- HEIDI TOWNSEND
 Heidi is currently in Year 8 at Molong Central School.
 Heidi has been widely recognised for her excellence in Hockey which she
began playing at the age of 5, joining Molong Junior Hockey Club.
 Heidi began representing Orange in Under 11’s Hockey when she was 9
years old and every year since she has made the Orange Representative
Hockey team in Under 11’s, 13’s and 15’s. She was also selected in the
Western Conference teams in these age groups.
 In 2015, Heidi represented Orange in the Under 11’s and Under 15’s team
and also made the Western Conference team in 2015 who went to Canberra
and won the Regional Carnival title going through undefeated.
 She was also selected for the Under 13’s NSW squad and competed in the
Australian Championships where she was name ‘Most Valuable Player’ on
the NSW team for the tournament.
 Heidi also experienced playing in the Under 18’s Molong Junior Hockey team
in 2015.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- BRUCE REYNOLDS
 Bruce is heavily involved in the Manildra community and volunteers for
various clubs. He is described as being helpful, caring and fair in everything
he does and is always there to put his hand up when needed, such as when
the football coach is sick or when aspiring golfers want mentoring.
 Bruce has been a volunteer for the Rural Fire Service for over 30 years and
has attended rural fires and motor vehicle accidents.
 He is an active committee man at the Manildra Gold Club where he is serving
as Captain and he has also previously served in this role on many occasions.
 Bruce was the co-ordinator and main builder in erecting a covered deck at the
Golf Club and does most of the maintenance and repairs for the club, making
rakes for the green and fixing mowers all as a volunteer.
 He also volunteered to erect a shelter to cover the skate park, coordinating
the building of the shelter with other volunteers.
 Many organisations in town call on Bruce to do bar work at the functions,
including, Australia Day, Trivia Fundraising Nights for the Amusu Theatre and
the skate park and fundraising socials.
 Bruce was very involved with St Joseph’s School erecting a shade shelter
over the play ground, making table decorations for various functions and
manning the door and selling raffle tickets for fundraising events.
 Bruce has won the A Grade Golf Championship at the club on various
occasions
 His leadership and mentoring of the youth of Manildra is considered a credit to
the town.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 16 of 20
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR- THE MANILDRA
SHOWGROUND AND PUBLIC RECREATION TRUST
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The Manildra Show Ground Trust is a group of volunteers who work very hard
for the betterment of Manildra.
The Trust has worked tirelessly to ensure the park has grown with great
amenities and well kept grounds.
The volunteers are always busy settling in campers and ensuring they are
comfortable.
The volunteers are great ambassadors for the township, always
recommending the businesses in Manildra to ensure the town sees some
support from the travellers passing through.
Animals on Bikes paddock art sculpture trail from Molong to Cumnock to Yeoval to the Dubbo Zoo– pictures
from www.animalsonbikes.com.au
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 17 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- TIFFANY ATKINSON
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Tiffany was the winner of the 2014 Brendon Sturgeon Scholarship sponsored
by the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak.
After overcoming difficulties and bullying at school she has become a
successful in the building trade as a carpenter.
Tiffany has displayed a great determination and resourcefulness in achieving
her goals during her time at TAFE and it is seen as an achievement for a
young woman to be such highly regarded in a male dominated trade.
Tiffany is also a successful hockey player. She started playing for the Orange
Ex Services Club in Under 11’s and has worked her way up to play First
Grade and Premier League for the same team. She gives back to the club by
coaching, umpiring and is currently Junior Vice President.
Tiffany has also attended Boggabri Pony Club since she was 4, and is now a
troop leader and volunteer at the club as she is too old to compete.
In 2015, Tiffany was selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
and was so impressive she will be returning as a presenter in 2016.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR- CHELSEA OSTINI
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Chelsea is a teacher at Mullion Creek Public School and is known by her
peers as a caring and selfless person.
Chelsea travels to Uganda, as a volunteer, every 2 years to help teach and
provide assistance to poor children and villages.
Mullion Creek School helped raise $1,200 for Chelsea in order for her to take
coloured pencils, textas, rubber and sharpers to Uganda. She also managed
to build two mud brick classrooms with this money, in just 2 days.
Without Chelsea’s help, the children of Uganda would not have a school as
the government is now enforcing that all schools must be made of mud bricks
instead of straw, which is more expensive and requires more time.
Mullion Creek Public School – Picture www.mullionck-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 18 of 20
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD- THE BEE TEAM
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The Bee Team is a robotics team from Mullion Creek Public School consisting
of Charlie and Edward Southwell, Briana McLuckie, Caitlyn White, Tyarna
Pavy, Hugh Sheardown and James Calleja.
The team had to build their robots, design a backdrop, program their robots to
perform a sequences of movements and record the process in a journal.
The team competed at the Robo-Cup Competition, were the children were
interviewed by a panel of judges then they had to show their robots routine
and backdrop they designed.
The routine the children picked had a core theme of ‘Save Our Bees’. This
was picked after the children watched a documentary about bees and their
habits being destroyed all over the world.
This team won the Regional, State and National competitions making them
the best robotics team in Australia.
They have also qualified to compete in Germany at the International Robotics
Competition in June 2020.
The Bee Team have been extremely successful in raising awareness of the
plight of bees
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 19 of 20
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - JAKE MONK
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Jake graduated Yeoval Central School in 2015.
He was School Captain in 2015 and has been admired for his efforts.
Jake took on the role of Scholl Captain very seriously, always going above
and beyond what was asked of him.
He was an excellent role model to the rest of the school in many fields.
Jake is also a keen sportsman excelling in the local ‘Eagles’ Rugby Union
Team.
Jake comes from a caring family and is likely to take part in many things
benefiting the community alongside his family.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - VALERIE MOORE
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Valerie and her 2 sons came to the Yeoval Progress Association in 2013 and
has been an inspiration ever since.
Valerie immediately volunteered to work in the ‘Red Cross’ Shop and took on
the position of Secretary.
She volunteers a lot of her time to the United Protestant Association (UPA) in
Yeoval for their activities supporting and showing care to residents of the
community.
Valerie is a constant deliverer for ‘Meals On Wheels’
Valerie is a beautiful line dancer and also does Scottish and Irish dancing.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR - YEOVAL AND DISTRICT
MEN’S SHED
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This active group offers encouragement to men of all ages, backgrounds,
various abilities and disabilities to wherever they may need it.
The Men’s Shed offers a place where men can go to get advice, talk things
over and lighten the load when they fear they have no one else to talk to,
which is seen as vital for men in rural communities.
Their latest venture has been to acquire an old army shed that they have
been able to set up as their permanent location in Yeoval.
Proudly sponsored by the Australia Day Council of New South Wales
and the National Australia Day Council
Page 20 of 20