Janette Meehan, secretary of Kyogle Lions Club gives a rundown of Australia Day in Kyogle.
On yet another hot and humid Sunday, January 26, Kyogle celebrated Australia Day.
Our Australia Day Ambassador was John Lee OAM, a local from the Northern Rivers, who gave an inspiring address on the issues relating to homelessness.
Guests were treated to a cuppa and damper, cooked by David Roberts.
State MP Janelle Saffin popped in on her way to Woodenbong to wish us well for the day.
The day started with the induction of two new Australian citizens by Deputy Mayor John Burley.
The Australia Day Organising Committee congratulates all the nominees, with two of the categories receiving multiple nominations. It was great to see one of the nominees nominated in two different categories.
Kyogle High School captains Hannah Harris and Nate Walters addressed the audience with Hannah shairng her thoughts on Australia Day and Nate reciting a poem he had written.
Young musician Angus Joyce received the Senior Student of the Year Award.
Jocelyn Blackburn received the Junior Student of the Year Award.
It was great to see this award presented as it has been a number of years since any nominations have been received in this category.
Tennille Owen was named the Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Emcee was Lions Club memebr Francis O’Reilly who noted what a great future Kyogle has in the hands of these young people.
Maureen Welsh received the Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award – this award was accepted by her brother Tom as Maureen was unable to attend because of ill health.
In the Senior Citizen of the Year award there were two nominations – Patricia Darragh and Patricia Vidler with the award going to Patricia Vidler.
Finally in the Citizen of the Year category there were four nominations – Jade Bennett, Sandii Davie, Dale Oxtoby and Patricia Vidler with the award going to Dale Oxtoby.
In the closing address, Kyogle Lions Club president Sheryl Lee congratulated the nominees and award winners.
In a special announcement, Sheryl also congratulated Lions member Roz Knights who received an OAM for community service as part of this year’s Australia Day honours. Read about Roz’s award here.
Celebrations continued at Kyogle Memorial Pool where the council provided free entry and large inflatable toys to play on. Kyogle Lions Club provided free food through the kiosk.
Thank you to the Kyogle Garden Club members who did the stage decorations, Jaci Elliott and Tom Rogers for performing and Peter Kelly, Janelle McLennan and Kyogle Council staff, especially the pool staff, who helped with the organising and running of Australia Day.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the day a success.