Wollondilly Shire Council held its Australia Day celebrations yesterday, but due to the wet weather the event was moved from the Botanic Gardens in Picton to the Wollondilly Shire Hall.
The winners of the Wollondilly Australia Day Awards were announced in a ceremony at the Hall. They included:
Citizen of the Year
Mrs Eve Langham
BUXTON NSW 2571
Eve educates young people on road safety issues, as well as campaigning for structural change and support from government bodies. Eve volunteers with a number of organisations about road safety. She also facilitates the Road Accident Victims Memorial Day for the Wollondilly Shire. Eve has always made herself available to organisation and individuals who need support in addressing road safety issues – as well as other voluntary initiatives. What is particularly admirable is that Eve lost her only daughter in a traffic accident in 2006 – yet rather than let grief overwhelm her, she continues to campaign and advocate for road safety in our community. Eve approached the members of the Rotary Club of Picton U-Turn the Wheel program and volunteered to participate in this activity, which has impacted the on the lives of some 600-700 year 11 Wollondilly students.
Senior Citizen of the Year
Mrs Doreen Lyon
THIRLMERE NSW 2572
Doreen has been a resident in Wollondilly since 1973 and has participated in many Shire activities. She is passionate about the natural environment, has illustrated historic local buildings and is a member of Wollondilly Arts Group. Doreen is a board member of Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, a member of the Wollondilly Aboriginal Liaison Committee, a founding member of The Oaks Historical Society and helped set up the Wollondilly Heritage Centre in1988, and has been the Hon. Exhibition Curator since that time. Doreen also produces a book after each exhibition ensuring a permanent record of their research is documented. Always networking, Doreen has interviewed in and outside the local community to establish a realistic record of the local social history, including: Estonian migration to Thirlmere; church history; local Barnardos home at Mowbray Park and Aboriginal history.
Young Citizen of the Year
Mr James Cleave
MOUNT HUNTER NSW 2570
James, aged 13 is a member of 1st Cobbitty Scout Group in the Club Scout Section and was the Hume Region representative to the Youth Council for Scouting. James has held that position for the past few years and in 2011 was actively involved in directing the vision of Scouts Australia and representing the views of young people in scouting from the Hume Region. James was instrumental in establishing the Nepean District Scout Youth Council, a program that encourages Scouts (ages 11-15 years) to participate in policy changes and challenges for Scouting. Outside of Scouting, James raised over $1,000 in donations by shaving his hair off for the Leukaemia Foundation in support of a school mate. He also participated in the 40 Hour Famine fundraising event and was able to raise over $500 in donations.
Achiever of the Year
Ms Leanne Zautsen
APPIN NSW 2560
Leanne has been a member of the Appin Historical Society since its inception, fulfilling the role of Treasurer for several years now. Leanne tirelessly worked for over eighteen months to act as Chairperson on the very successful Appin 200 Celebrations. She has also been involved for over 10 years with the Appin Scout Group and continues to support their fundraising efforts - despite not having a child involved for 7 years. Leanne also works in the following community roles; supporting Appin Primary School P&C; supporting and helping to organize LandCare events to beautify Appin; supporting the Appin community’s involvement in the i98 convoy for Kids each November; and being a member of the Appin Chamber of Commerce. Leanne is a tireless worker for the community of Appin.
Young Achiever of the Year
Mr Kade Clissold
WARRAGAMBA NSW 2752
Kade, aged 13 has achieved the following sporting accolades in his young life. At Warragamba Public School he was: Senior Swimming Champion of the school – and broke 4 school records, Senior Athletic Champion of the school, Senior Triathlon Champion of the school and Sportsperson of the Year. Whilst playing AFL Kade was selected to try out for the Sydney Swans Junior Future Allstars Team and was successful in making the team. Kade is now in his first year at high school and was selected to play in the A Division Elites State Cup Rugby League Tournament for St Dominic’s College. Kade was also selected in the Group 6 Rugby League Under 13’s Representative team who went on to win the Country Clusters Championship undefeated. Kade was awarded the Coaches Award at the Annual Group 6 Dinner. Kade has also accepted a scholarship with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport.
Sportsperson of the Year
Mr Colin Smith
APPIN NSW 2560
Colin became a paraplegic at the age of 8 and since that time has strived for the best in his life. Not long after he became wheelchair bound, he joined a wheelchair basketball team in Wollongong. Colin had no idea how wheelchair basketball was played but he always gave his best. Very soon after he started playing basketball, Colin became part of the NSW Juniors Wheelchair Basketball team, he now represents Australia overseas and is hopeful at being selected for the Paralympics. Colin is an inspiration to young people who have disabilities and a fine example of people being able to do anything no matter how bad your situation.
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Miss Tara Boyd
PICTON NSW 2571
Tara is currently 8 years old and trains at Pacek Shotokan Karate Academy at Buxton Public School under Shihan Ivan Pacek. Tara started karate when she was 4 yrs old and is the dual NSW Karate Federation Gold Medallist in the 9 yrs and Under Kata kyu grade and open divisions. Tara first won this title when she was 6 yrs old and again when she was 7. Tara is currently the Australian Karate Federation National under 10 yrs champion, Commonwealth Karate under 10 Yr champion and a 9 time international karate champion, she achieved 6 individual gold medals at the USA Open and Junior Olympics in Las Vegas in 2011. Tara’s goal in life is to become the youngest ever world karate champion.
Community Group / Organisation
Wollondilly Cancer Support Group
RAZORBACK NSW 2571
Wollondilly Cancer Support Group is aimed at supporting anyone whose life has been affected by Cancer. The group’s activities extend to setting up an information booth in villages around the Shire and at community events. The group has published a reference book of case histories, contacts, suggestions and positive thoughts and conducts a carers luncheon through the NSW Careers Week Festival. Wollondilly Cancer Support Group also sponsors a very successful Cancer Council Morning Tea Function and provides guest speakers to other service groups.
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