It was a perfect Australia Day morning at Barbour Park with no hint of the wild storm that was to lash the district that evening. Lions Club members were hard at work turning out brekkie for all and sundry.
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Mayor John Shaw extended a welcome to the 150-plus crowd and thanked those who made the event possible. Pastor Ellen Manwaring offered a prayer of thanks. The keynote address from Australia Day ambassador Alan Whelpton AO was an inspiring reflection on all that is good about Australia. He was especially delighted to see so many young people at Barbour Park.
Citizen of the Year
Kelly Dowling accepted her Upper Lachlan Shire Citizen of the Year Award, not for herself but in recognition of a team effort from family, friends and fellow committee members and volunteers for the Gunning PA&I Society. Kelly is a young woman with a passion for farming and pride in her district.
As president of the Gunning PA&I Society she has worked to make the Gunning Show a showcase for the district's rural traditions. Kelly has attracted new and younger people to become active in accepting responsibility for various aspects of the show while building on the continued contribution of long time show committee members.
Kelly thanked those who nominated her and the many people who helped her to be the person she is. Kelly is a credit to her family and the district. She epitomizes that old saying, ‘If you want a job done well, ask a busy person’. Congratulations - you've made us very proud!
Joint citizen award
Joan and Keith Smith were jointly awarded as Gunning Citizens of the Year, chosen from 14 nominations. They have worked tirelessly for many years to improve, maintain and extend public gardens in Gunning and to encourage and educate people into the joys of gardening. Members of the Gunning Garden Club since its inception, they have worked quietly and without fanfare.
As Mayor John Shaw said when they declined to say a few words after their award presentation, "Joan and Keith are doers not talkers!".
Congratulations!
Gunning’s young citizen
Brent Hickey, just graduated from Yass High School last year, was the recipient of the Junior Citizen Award at the Gunning ceremony. Brent was vice captain of the school in 2012 and on the Student Representative Council 2009-2012. He represented the school in many sports and was active in social support for other students.
Brent also volunteered for community organisations such as Red Shield and the Gunning PA&I Society. His passion for catering in the community will now be translated into his future, as he has enrolled to be a chef.
Brent thanked his family for their support and made special mention of an inspiring teacher from Yass High, Jenny Rajchert. As Jenny said in support of Brent's achievement, "This is a young man who aspires to help someone each day". This won't be the last we hear of young Brent - congratulations!
Community event
On behalf of the Lions Club of Gunning, president Margaret McPherson and vice president Tony Porter received the award for Gunning's Event of the Year for catering at the NSW and National Masters Cycling Championships. The club was assisted by members of other Lions clubs, volunteers from the local districts of Gunning and Dalton and children from Gunning Public School. The club will again cater for these events in 2013.
Coming up
February
2: Campdraft, Gunning Showground from 6.30am. Information: 4821 1279.
17: 111th Gunning Show. Visit www.gunningshow.com.au for more.
March
2: Wine, Dine & Dance, Gunning Shire Hall 6.30pm, tickets 4845 5167.
