Community champions honoured on Australia Day
The Shire of Manjimup's annual Australia Day celebration took place at the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park on Thursday, 26 January 2017.Celebrations commenced at 8am with a traditional Aussie breakfast, followed by the official ceremony at 10am and an exciting range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The official ceremony included an Acknowledgement of Country, Australia Day address from Shire President Wade DeCampo, musical items performed by talented locals Lucy Tartaglia as well as the Sing Australia Manjimup Group, presentation of the Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards (see details below) and an Australian Citizenship Ceremony. Olivia Daubney, winner of the 2016 Active Citizenship Award in the 'under 25' category, was this year's guest speaker, giving an interesting recount of her time growing up in the Shire of Manjimup and the adventures she has had thanks to her artistic passion.
Shire President Wade DeCampo said a number of very worthy nominations for the Premier's Citizenship Awards were received this year (see details below). "We don't get many opportunities to thank the people who are the quiet achievers of our communities, those that are so passionate that they dedicate their time and commitment to making our region a better place to live," said Cr DeCampo. "It is always an honour to conduct a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day too, it's a special day to welcome someone to the region and to the country."
Following the ceremony, activities including laser tag, bouncy castles, Lions train rides, face painting, live music and more. "It was a beautiful summers day and people really enjoyed themselves," added Cr DeCampo.
Cr DeCampo acknowledged how lucky we are to live in the Southern Forests region and to have a beautiful venue - the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park - in which to celebrate. "We'll start to see the transformation of the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park evolve this year as a part of Town Centre Revitalisation; it is set to change forever and there was an information booth available on Australia Day where attendees got the opportunity to learn more about what developments will occur in the park over the coming year and up until 2019," explained Cr DeCampo.
Cr DeCampo acknowledged the efforts of a number of community members and groups, as well as the Community Services team at the Shire of Manjimup, for putting together such an exciting program of events.
Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award and to the winners for each category, as follows:
Citizen of the Year
Nominees: Patricia Martin, Dave Birnie, Lee Fontanini, Ian Wilson, Roy Piggott, Louise Barber, Jackie Plummer
Winner: Dave Birnie
During Dave's time with St John Ambulance, he has been a long serving committee member playing the roles of stores/equipment officer, Vice Chairperson, Chairperson and is currently the Vice Chairperson for the 2nd term. Dave continues to put many unseen hours into the Manjimup sub-centre, expecting nothing in return. Owning his own business, he is dedicated to the community by leaving his business to attend local call outs. The Manjimup St John Ambulance sub-centre would not exist without the dedication and passion of people like Dave. Without these kinds of volunteers, the ambulance would not be able to provide the community with medical support services. Dave was awarded his 22 year service medal at the 2016 State Conference.
Citizen of the Year - Youth (Under 25 years)
Nominees: Jessica Read, Bryce Bamess, Darcie Bowden, Louise Miolin, Tayla Callaghan, Cameron Whelan, Casey Moloney
Winner: Tayla Callaghan
Over the last two years, Tayla has embraced a wide range of practical and theory-based umpire development opportunities which have been offered to her on a local, regional and state level. Tayla's contribution to the netball community includes umpiring at the Manjimup Netball Association representative teams at South West Netball Region carnivals and Netball WA's championships, at which she was also a player. A panel umpire for both Pemberton & Netball Associations, Tayla regularly and competently umpires at an A-grade level. Her commitment to her personal development in umpiring contributes to the overall enhancement of umpiring within our local and regional communities.
Citizen of the Year - Senior (Over 65 years)
Nominees: Elizabeth Bursey, Bob & Yvonne Crow, Dr James Bowie
Winner: Elizabeth Bursey
Liz is currently the Vice President of the Quinninup Community Association after many years as President, working on a voluntary basis without remuneration. Liz is always available to assist people requiring information about the Quinninup area. Liz applies for grants which are used for up-keep of the community buildings and grounds, ensures residents and visitors are kept up to date and aware of fire procedures and works actively with Government and the local authorities. Liz also works closely with Department of Correctional Services to employ inmates, arranges work for people who work for the dole and organises the use of community facilities when requested. Liz is the main organiser of the annual Quinninup Market Day.
Community Group / Event
Nominees: Shire of Manjimup Youth Network, Walpole Country Club
Winner: Walpole Country Club
Nominated for realisation of a large project - the replacement of the sand greens with synthetic greens on the 18-hole golf course. The club were persistent and showed passion and drive to make the half a million dollar project possible, with close to $200,000 contribution from the club and community, along with countless hours of work from volunteers. The project helps to protect the environment on Walpole and Nornalup inlets Marine Park, by saving water and reducing the use of oils and chemicals required to maintain the greens. The project was also aimed at increasing physical participation with better playing conditions, in order to retain existing members and attract visiting golf members.
