Berrima was the hub of the Highlands’ Australia Day activities on January 26.
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The day started with a ceremony to awarded the Citizen and Young Person of the Year.
Passionate Aboriginal Culture awareness educator Aunty Wendy Lotter was named Wingecarribee Shire’s 2018 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
For more than 25 years, Wendy has shared her Aboriginal culture and knowledge to help improve relations between non-indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to William Koek.
The 17 year old Bowral High School Prefect was nominated for his commitment to community and assistance to people in need.
As 2017/18 President of the Bowral High School Interact Club, William embodied the Rotary ethos by demonstrating leadership skills and a passion for service to his school and the wider community.
Eight residents from around the world also made the pledge of Australian Citizenship as part of Wingecarribee Shire Council’s 2018 Australia Day celebrations.
Mr Tarun Randhawa from India, Steven Bentley, Jean Lockyer and Alicia Lowe for the UK and Andre Beaud, Janet Beaud, Christopher Beaud and Nicholas Beaud from South Africa were all welcomed to the Wingecarribee as citizens.
Mayor Ken Halstead said the occasion was a chance to acknowledge the importance of citizenship.
“Becoming an Australian citizen is without a doubt a very special occasion,” the Mayor said. “But doing so on Australia Day makes it even more memorable.”
“Citizenship marks the final stage of their migrant journey as they pledge their commitment to Australia and its people and accept the privileges and responsibilities of becoming an Australian.
“We’re extremely proud and excited these residents have chosen to call the Southern Highlands home and congratulate them as they join our Australian family.”
Celebrations continued with the famous street parade, featuring vintage cars, bikes and tractors.
A key feature of the parade this year was the huge number of Morris Minor vehicles.