ABOVE: Dr Clio Cresswell with Environmental Citizen Robert Boota, Young Citizen Reegan Allwood and Citizen of the Year Mekella Hannant. Photo: Contributed
Australia Day ambassador Dr Clio Cresswell was at the Woodenbong event to hand out awards.
Young Citizen of the Year went to Reegan Allwood
Reegan’s life has focussed on sport. As a Woodenbong Central School student, he played basketball, rugby league and golf. He was the school sports captain. He fits work at the Casino RSM Club, the Pit Stop and the Woodenbong Hotel around his sports.
Business of the Year is Thrifty T
Fay Morgan is the owner and operator at the shop Thrifty T. Fay is from Koreelah and went to school at Woodenbong. The shop she runs sells food, fuel, clothes and other goods and she is known for her generosity to the community.
Citizen of the year is Mekella Hannant
Born at Urbenville and raised on a property just outside Woodenbong, Mekella has volunteered at many local events including Anzac Day in 1955 where she met her future husband. The couple were posted to various locations. Mekella and her husband moved back to Woodenbong in 2008 where they raised four boys,.
Over the years Mekella volunteered for Woodenbong Camp Draft Women’s Association, the RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Woodenbong Community Preschool, Australia Day Morning Tea, Amberley Community Preschool and Kindergarten and many other community groups.
Sportsperson of the Year is Shallin Fuller
Shallin grew up in Muli Muli and went to Woodenbong Central School. His outstanding achievement in rugby league led to him being signed with the National Rugby League Gold Coast Titans.
Environmental Citizen of the Year is Robert Boota
After leaving school at Woodenbong, Robert worked for the Forestry Commission NSW. He left and established the Githabul Rangers to address environmental problems in local native forests. He cares for Country by using traditional knowledge and carries out vital Landcare work.
