A good crowd turned up to Barbour Park to take part in the Australia Day ceremony and catch up with neighbours and friends. While the weather was cool, they were soon warmed up with the tasty cooked breakfast, catered by the Lions Club of Gunning.
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Mayor John Shaw welcomed all those attending and congratulated council staff responsible for all aspects of the event and venue, especially Carmel Hills. The Prayer of Thanks was delivered by Pastor Ellen Manwaring who reminded us to be grateful to live in Australia and to work for a cause, not applause.
Gunning event of the year
The Gunning Event of the Year award went to the Gunning Focus Group for its presentation of the Seven Harps Ensemble Concert and was accepted by its secretary Michael Coley who paid special tribute to the persuasive work of his wife Wendy in bringing music and theatre to Gunning.
Gunning Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year for Gunning is Roslyn McLoughlin, for her continuing volunteer work with many community organisations including the Lions Club of Gunning and as editor of the Noticeboard. In her response Ros noted that when she moved to Gunning in 2006, she knew she needed to become involved in the community to avoid potential isolation. Ros thanked all those who encouraged her involvement and said that she is really just part of a team of volunteers.
Congratulations also to Karen Walters and Doreen Hansen for their nominations.
Gunning Young Citizen of the Year
The Young Citizen of the Year in Gunning is Tegan Morris for her achievements in sport, education and community involvement. Tegan has played polocrosse since she was 11 and was Best and Fairest C-grade player in 2013. In Year 11 she was awarded the Principal’s Excellence Award. She volunteered as a model for Gunning PA&I Society’s Wool Wine and Jazz events.
Australia Day Ambassador
Australia Day Ambassador for the Shire, Andrew Lock OAM was full of praise for the Lions breakfast contrasting it with the food taken on mountaineering that is frankly awful.
Andrew gave a stirring address about Aussie values. He has conquered all the fourteen mountains in the world over 8000 metres. He has experienced failure in some ascents and has lost many climbing friends. He abandoned two attempted ascents on Everest to help fellow climbers, finally succeeding in 2000 and again in 2004.
Andrew’s preferred climbing approach is in small teams without either Sherpa support or supplementary oxygen. However as one curious local found out, he still has all his fingers and toes, something not usual in high altitude mountaineers where frost bite is commonplace!
A book of local history by Gunning’s Keith Brown about the notorious Henry Dunkley murder was launched after the Australia Day ceremony in Gunning. There will be further information about the book and where to get your copy in next week’s column.
The 113th Gunning Show is on Sunday February 22 and show schedules are in local outlets or check www.gunningshow.com.au. Show raffle tickets are already on sale so make sure you get one.
Gunning PA&I Society committee members were hard at work fencing at the showground this week to double the popular Yard Dog Trials areas.
Saturday: Biala Wind Farm Info Day from 10am-1pm at the Grabben Gullen Hall.
Sunday: Gunning Golf Club AGM at 12 noon at the Club. Call 0457 000 046.
Saturday February 7: Gunning Swimming Pool Open Day from 11am–6pm. Entry is free.
Sunday February 8: Gunning Garden Club meet at Foley Centre at 2pm. Call 4845 1021.