Yass Valley Australia Day Award recipients announced

Yass Valley Australia Day Award recipients announced

The 2019 Yass Valley Australia Day Award recipients have been announced today at a community breakfast in Coronation Park, Yass.

Peter Dyce of Gundaroo has been named Citizen of the Year after a 60+ year association with the Gundaroo Bush Fire Service and his involvement in saving the Gundaroo Primary School from closing in the 1970’s. Peter was appointed Captain of the Gundaroo Brigade in 1978, a position he held until 1995 and was the driving force behind setting up Fire Cadet classes at surrounding high schools.

Noeleen Hazell was recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year for her long standing volunteer roles within the community of Bookham and Berremangra, having been a dedicated Committee member for the Bookham Tennis Club, Bookham War Memorial Hall, Bookham-Berremangra Red Cross, Bookham Hospital Auxiliary and an inaugural member of the Bookham Croquet Club.

Isobella (Bella) Campbell was named Young Citizen of the Year in recognition for her work as a national CanTeen Ambassador. Bella lost her father, Andy, to lung cancer in 2015. Her motivation to be involved in CanTeen is personal but her commitment is to all families, and especially young people, dealing with illness, loss and uncertainty as a result of a family member being diagnosed with cancer.

Recognised for their committed volunteers, the Yass & District Historical Society Inc. have been named Community Group of the Year. The Historical Society is a volunteer run community group who are passionate about recording the history of Yass and surrounds, and also operate the popular Yass & District Museum.  

Two Mayoral Awards were announced, with Tracey Bills and Leon Arabin acknowledged for their commitment to teaching and the community of Binalong, respectively. Tracey has been a teacher at Yass High School for over 30 years and it is her dedication towards Aboriginal students, students with a disability and those who need additional support and assistance which makes her commitment to youth in our community exceptional.

Leon is a highly valued member of the Binalong community, dedicating almost every waking minute to the Binalong Brahmans, Binalong Rural Fire, Binalong Fishing Club, Binalong Cricket Club and Binalong Primary School.

Ray Hehir and Sharleen and Kurt Bailey were honoured with Community Service Awards. Ray is a prominent, generous and respected member of the Murrumbateman community and is affectionately known as “Mr Fix-it”. Ray is an active member of the Murrumbateman Rural Fire Service, Murrumbateman Men’s Shed and volunteers his time at the Murrumbateman Field Days, Wine Show and Kennel Club Show.

Sharleen and Kurt are jointly awarded for their involvement in the establishment of the Vine Community Food Care facility, which provides affordable food for low income families of Yass Valley. Kurt also volunteers as the Yass Valley & Southern Highlands State Emergency Services Local Commander and was recently awarded the 2018 NSW South Coast / Southern Inland Adult Volunteer of the Year.

“Yass Valley is a very special place to call home, but what makes it special are the exceptional individuals who volunteer tirelessly for their community,” said Mayor, Rowena Abbey. “It is always wonderful to publicly acknowledge our award recipient’s contributions at our annual Australia Day breakfast.”

2019 Yass Valley Australia Day recipients: Citizen of the Year – Peter Dyce Senior Citizen of the Year – Noelene Hazel Young Citizen of the Year – Isobella Campbell Community Group of the Year – Yass & District Historical Society Inc. Mayoral Award – Leon Arabin Mayoral Award – Tracey Bills Individual Community Service Award – Ray Hehir Individual Community Service Award – Sharleen & Kurt Bailey

25 March 2019

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