This year’s Australia Day was held by the Richmond River at Woodburn. The event was hosted by Richmond Valley Council.
Federal MP Kevin Hogan gave a speech to the crowd who sheltered in the shade to escape the hot sun.
“This community went through exceptional trauma,” Mr Hogan said referring to the floods early last year.
“What did we see after that day? Mateship. People literally saving each other.
“We could nominate the whole community.”
Mayor Robert Mustow gave a brief history of the area.
“The people of the Bundjalung nation have lived in this area for thousands of years,” he said.
“This nation was made up of many tribes covering the area from the coast to the hinterland.
“We have many sacred sites within our area, especially Goanna Headland at Evans Head.
“The beginning of European settlement into the Richmond River area was the result of early explorations into the region by cedar cutters who arrived in 1842.
Mr Mustow’s family came from England in 1852.
“My grandchildren are sixth generation to live in the Richmond Valley,” he said.
“There’s no place like Australia.”
Casino’s Josh Powell-Fussell sang the national anthem.
Before the Australia Day Awards were announced, Sharon Kennedy from Scotland became an Australian citizen.
The awards went to:
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Clayton Wilkinson
A swimmer with the Casino Swimming Club, Clayton has reached the elite level of competition. He trains up to five times a week between Woodburn and Evans Head Pools while Casino Pool is being refurbished. He volunteers his time to help Tabulam Public School students with Learn to Swim and Carnival skills.
Sportsperson of the Year – Joseph Mohammed
Joseph is dedicated to the Casino Bulls Rugby Club. He played for the club in the under 17s and under 19s minor and major premiership winning teams. He went on and propped the scrum in first grade for 15 years and played in four grand finals for the club. Joe has been a rugby coach for junior teams and for the inaugural girl’s and women’s teams.
Junior Volunteer of the Year – Chantelle Davis
Chantelle is one of the youngest members in the Woodburn Brigade. She was one of the volunteers at the Rappville fires. The Woodburn Brigade has 100 callouts a year and Chantelle is always on the truck.
Volunteer of the Year – Teena Redman
Teena’s commitment to the Evans Head Casino Surf Club is inspiring. She is the Evans Head Casino SLSC Secretary, radio officer, education team administrator and mental health and wellbeing champion.
Junior Citizen of the Year – Iris Hobbins
Iris is a member of the Evans Head Casino Surf Life Saving Club and she is a natural leader and a mentor to other young girls in the club. Iris is a patrolling member and she has been Evans Head Casino SLSCs Junior Club Person of the Year for the past two seasons.
Citizen of the Year – Mark O’Toole
Mark was injured during the floods. His property at Bungawalbin flooded. Despite this, he did not hesitate to help others in need. He rescued his elderly neighbour, disabled son and helped rescue animals. Mark also delivered supplies to others affected by the floods.
Congratulations to winners and the nominees.
Paul Cowles, Casino: Volunteer of the Year
Raelene Davis, Woodburn: Volunteer of the Year
Adam Bailey, Woodburn: Citizen of the Year
EHSLSC Flood Response team, Evans Head: Community Service Award
Zachary Gillett, Woodburn: Young Citizen of the Year
Denise Green, Casino: Citizen of the Year
Piper Coughran, Swan Bay: Young Sportsperson of the Year
James Lamont, Casino: Young Volunteer of the Year
Bruce Lyle, Ellangowan: Citizen of the Year
Emilia Trustum, Tatham: Young Citizen of the Year
Samantha Elley, Woodburn: Citizen of the Year
Geoff Austin, Casino: Volunteer of the Year
Terry Smith, Evans Head: Citizen of the Year
Here are photos from the day.
