Wow! What a fantastic day it was at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Australia Day naming the recipients of the Australia Day Awards and welcoming our 39 newest Australian citizens.
Melissa Gontier has been named Citizen of the Year for outstanding contribution to our community. Melissa foundered Hunter Hands of Hope and is now President.
Senior Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Edgar (Ted) Jackson for outstanding contribution in advocating for better support for the aged in our community.
A huge congratulations to Chelsea Webb for being named Young Citizen of the Year. Chelsea has shown leadership and advocated for local young people.
Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said it was a privilege to be part of the Awards and congratulate all recipients.
“Our community is full of amazing contributors, who are community minded and make a significant contribution to our local government area. This year there were 20 recipients. Each extremely deserving of recognition and I extend another special thanks to each of them for all that they do.”
“Our Citizen of the Year, Melissa Gontier has made a huge contribution through Hunter Hands of Hope. This organisation helps those who need it most in our community, homeless and vulnerable people. It’s her compassion, caring and selflessness that we recognise. Melissa we’re lucky to have you in the Cessnock Local Government Area. Our community is truly better off because of Melissa.”
Australia Day Award recipients include:
Citizen of the Year, Melissa Gontier Senior Citizen on the Year, Edgar (Ted) Jackson Young Citizen on the Year, Chelsea Webb Community Event of the Year, Lost Diggers of Weston & Field of Honour Environment Award,Branxton Community Hall Committee Maree Callaghan Award – Young Female Achiever, Trinity Woodhouse Community Award, Stars of the Hunter Valley (Cancer Council NSW) Community Award, Central Hunter Business Chamber & the Hunter Multi Cultural Community Community Award, Freemasons Cessnock Community Award, Amy Roberts Community Award, Rachel Threadgate Community Award, Amy Butler Community Award, Chloe Steel Community Award, Rose Lucas Community Award, Vincent Plater Community Award, Bethany Dwyer Community Award, Shane Rodger-Wilson Community Award, Kyle Gosper Community Award Olivia Chapman Community Award, Adam Robinson1/28/2020