Dedicated fundraiser awarded Manilla Citizen of the Year

Manilla volunteer Ms Sue Yates has today been named Manilla 2018 Citizen of the Year for her dedication to raising funds for a much-needed community bus.

Ms Yates has led a campaign to raise the money required to purchase the bus, having worked tirelessly for over to years along side a small working committee.

Manilla Central School year 12 student Katie Taylor was awarded Young Citizen of the Year and the Manilla RSL Sub Branch “Honour Our Fallen” flag project was declared 2018 Community Event of the Year.

Under Ms Yate’s leadership, the group has raised close to $40,000 with numerous fundraising efforts coordinated by Ms Yates including a second-hand book store, selling raffle tickets, golf and bowls fundraising events and the collection of recycled bottles. Ms Yates has also lobbied and received donations from several local organisations to go towards the fund.

Councillor Jim Maxwell, who represented Tamworth Regional Council at the event, said the award was much deserved recognition for a passionate fundraiser. “Ms Yate’s has been a driving force behind the fundraising and her efforts have been described as ‘relentless’ by members of her community.

“Her determination to see her dream of a new community bus come to fruition is a wonderful example of the dedication and enthusiasm she has for her local community and I wish her all the very best with her campaign,” he said.

Mr Peter Cousens BD, ADG, one of the Australia Day Council of NSW’s official ambassadors, joined the Manilla community for its celebration. Mr Cousens is a well-renowned actor, singer and producer who is also an Ambassador for Destiny Rescue, an Australian based organisation committed to rescuing young people from human trafficking across South East Asia.