Locals awarded for their service
Many will know Peter Doyle through his pharmacy, however it wasn’t just the man’s family-run business which operated in Yass for over 40 years that won him the 2017 Citizen of the Year award, rather a myriad of community service that he offered up in his spare time.
In the beginning, Peter had his sights set on local government, serving for 14 years as a Yass Valley Councillor.
Since, Peter has played a crucial role in shaping the very region we live in today.
Peter Doyle named Yass Valley’s 2017 Citizen of the Year.
He contributed his expertise in aged or frail care by volunteering on numerous committees and causes, including 10 years as President of the Yass Aged Care Foundation.
He played large parts in implementing the sealing of the Wee Jasper road, Yass Tourist and Information Centre, the Recycling Depot, the Motor Registry, Binalong water supply and the Yass Water Treatment Plant.
“It is a wonderful acknowledgement from your community to be recognised for an Australia Day Award and on behalf of Yass Valley I would like to congratulate our outstanding winners on this fabulous achievement,” Yass Valley Mayor, Rowena Abbey said.
“These awards are about recognising everyday people who do amazing things and without people like this our community wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Senior Citizen of the Year – Virginia Rawling
She has come to be affectionately known as the “Mayor of Murrumbateman” and on Australia Day Virginia Rawling is being recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year.
Having dedicated around 50 years to her community her service has been varied.
From the restoration of historical buildings including the Rep Theater Hall in Yass and Murrumbateman Coach house.
The “Mayor of Murrumbateman”, Virginia Rawling was recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year, with Noeline Brown and Kim Turner. Photo: Jessica Cole.
A woman of firsts, she was founding member of the Cool Climate Wine Show, the Murrumbateman Pony Club, and the Murrumbateman History group.
Virginia played a huge part in lobbying the Licencing authority to grant the Murrumbateman Inn a liquor licence. Along side a two term service on the Yass Valley Council, she was an active member of the RFS.
“[She has] given many hours of her time through many levels of organisation to help the Yass Valley be what we have today … Virginia is also a lovely lady,” Friend Elizabeth Evans said.
The “Mayor of Murrumbateman”, Virginia Rawling was recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year.
Young Citizen of the Year – Daniel Kemp
Daniel Kemp can be described as one of those all-round talented young people.
The 2016 Yass High School Captain was awarded the 2017 Young Citizen of the Year through his leadership, citizenship and social awareness.
Daniel has demonstrated leadership as School Captain, Yass Senior League Club 18’s Co-captain and during previous years as Yass Minor Rugby League Club team captain from under 10’s to under 16’s.
His peers testifying to not only his talent but his willingness to help others.
One coach Peter Timmer remarked, “His sportsmanship and fair play attitude is without a doubt his best of many fine qualities”. His year 12 Advisor James Harding describes Daniel as “honest, reliable, approachable, shows initiative and acts with integrity in all that he does”.
2016 Yass High School Captain, Daniel Kemp has been awarded 2017 Young Citizen of the Year.
For the High Schools Sports Coordinator, Tracey Bills, Daniels most endearing qualities is his continual willingness to selflessly give his time for others, allowing them to improve their skills and confidence.
“He is always willing the first to volunteer to help out both in class and extracurricular activities displaying initiative and maturity beyond his years in the process.”
Community Group of the Year – Interact Club of Yass
There’s not a lot that the Interact Club of Yass haven’t been involved in since it’s inception in 2014.
To name them all would be a challenge, yet to ignore them would be a great insult. Not only to it’s members, but also to the wider community.
The great contributions by the Interact Club of Yass to it’s community was recognised on Australia Day, being awarded the Community Group of the Year.
Mayor Rowena Abbey said not only were they contributing to the community but, “providing an avenue to actively engage the youth of Yass Valley to participate in volunteering activities within their community.”
Individual Community Service Awards - Esma Drennan and John Parker
Esma Drennan from Yass and John Parker from Wee Jasper were both recognised with Individual Community Service Awards, in acknowledgment to what they do within their respective communities.
Community Group of the Year was given to the Interact Club of Yass and received by Neve Tually.
Many may know Esma for her splendid tour guides at Cooma Cottage, netball training, behind a raffle stall, or in her capacity as a meals on wheels volunteer.
Perhaps she once helped with shopping bags when she noticed you struggling to your car, and as her family member Ashleigh Pimm says, “Esma is always there for anyone that needs her assistance”.
In any case, Esma’s small and large deeds have gone a long way in contributing the Yass Valley and helping it on it’s way to a thriving community.
Many that visit the community of Wee Jasper may have seen John Parker pushing a lawn mower up the villages side streets, a service he performs without hesitation or reward.
He has been described as a tremendously giving and proactive member for the Wee Jasper community. His enthusiasm and support has enabled many community projects to get off the ground, but most importantly it is John’s ability to engage and encourage others to get involved and play their part.
Esma Drennan has been recognised with the Individual Community Service Award.
“John is a good caring man who is always looking for ways to help the community,” Friend Michael Smith said.
John Parker has been recognised with the Individual Community Service Award.