Susanna Freymark
Paul Umstad mows the grass in Bonalbo for four hours a day, on four days of each week.
That’s a lot of grass. When he had a heart attack, he was back on the mower three weeks later.
Paul moved to Bonalbo five years ago. He mows the public grassed areas as a volunteer. Today, he was rewarded by an Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.
The other contenders were Colleen McQueen for her efforts organising the stockman’s challenge that not only bring a lot of money to town, but has raised more than $7,000 for the Niemann–Pick disease research. Young Tommy Johnson, whose grandparents live in Bonalbo, has the disease.
Artist Vilya de Tozser was also a nominee for her work in the arts in Bonalbo.
Kyogle deputy mayor Tom Cooper said her efforts had “energised creativity in the town.”
Vilya and Colleen received Community Service Awards.
Former Bonalbo Central School student and runner Chanel Montiel was awarded Sportsperson of the Year for west of the range.
Business of the Year went to the Powick’s Pantry cafe.
There were prizes given out for the biggest cane toads caught in the latest Bonalbo muster. And there was the gumboot challenge, which had few rules and a sausage tray prize.
Dr Trevor Tierney gave the Australia Day address.
Here’s some photos from the day.
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