Australia Day at Lachlan Shire

This year’s Australia Day was celebrated across the Shire in true Aussie style with various events proudly supported by Lachlan Shire Council.

On Sunday morning Australia Day Ambassador Mel Thomas accompanied Mayor John Medcalf OAM to the Citizenship Ceremony at Lake Cargelligo, where she addressed the gathered crowd.

Ms Thomas, award winning anti-violence campaigner, told the audience that “I am committed to tackling the big uncomfortable issues surrounding gender equality, domestic violence, bullying, pom, consent, and ethical bystanding.

“My work is more than teaching women and young people how to fight off potential attackers, it’s about equipping people with de-escalation tools and strategies to deal with past and presence violence”.

Mayor Medcalf said “we are very thankful for Australia Day Ambassador Melanie Thomas to visit our Shire and share her story with us.

“Mel has been an absolute joy. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious, she is nothing short of a firecracker. We very much hope that Mel returns to our community to do some workshops with our youth.

“On behalf of myself and fellow Councillors I warmly congratulate all the nominees and winners of these prestigious Lachlan Shire Australia Day Awards. I would also like to thank those people who submitted their nominations and encourage the community to think about your nominations for next year.”

Lachlan Shire also saw three new Australian citizens – Mrs Shumaela Habib, Mrs Desiree Ibanez Rivera and Mr Naj Stephen Rivera Te – who all took the pledge of commitment to the Commonwealth of Australia at the Citizenship Ceremony held that morning.

The Mayor then handed out awards to the recipients of the 2020 Lachlan Shire Australia Day Awards. The following exemplary citizens received awards this year:

·         Citizen of the Year Award – Ruth Worthington

·         Community Service (Australia Day) Award – Anne Coffey

·         Sportsperson of the Year – Danielle Thompson

·         Environmental Citizen of the Year – Warren Chad

Ruth Worthington’s contributions to the community have been all-encompassing through her long-standing membership of a number of community focussed organisations. Her interests in photography, family and local history provide an interesting spectrum to her understanding of, and empathy for community life in a rural town. Ruth is always willing to share her knowledge of these topics with others, or point them in the right direction of avenues of research they might pursue. Ruth has been a longstanding member of Landcare, Condobolin P.A.H. & I Society, Kiacatoo CWA and the Rural Fire Service.

Anne Coffey has worked tirelessly for the improvement in services for the community of Condobolin and the surrounding district. She has dedicated numerous hours to the community and has been a volunteer on several committees. Anne was instrumental to the foundation of Western Plain Regional Development and the original founding and board member of Central West Youth Services. Anne is also a founding member of the Condobolin Argus Newspaper.

Danielle Thompson has been involved with several sporting clubs including Condobolin Physical Culture Cub/Lachlan Valley United Physical Culture Club, Condobolin Amateur Swimming Club, and Condobolin RSL Diggers Club. She was the St Joseph Catholic School swimming age-champion for four years, Condobolin High School cross country age champion for last four years and the 2019 Condobolin Netball Association Best and Fairest Player.

Warren Chad, or Chaddy as he is known, has contributed to the environmental education of both Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo communities over a period of time. He is involved with and often leads environmental days at the schools. He works in partnership with Condobolin District Landcare to educate community and LLS staff on local species and habitats. Chaddy promotes bird corridors and advises the community on bird behaviour and sustainability.

After the ceremonies at Lake Cargelligo, the team moved to Tullibigeal where Ms Thomas gave her Australia Day address and assisted in presenting the Tullibigeal Australia Day Awards.

Celebrations continued on at Burcher, where the Burcher Hotel hosted a BBQ for Ms Thomas and the village residents.

Condobolin, Tottenham and Fifield also celebrated our National Day with various free activities supported by Lachlan Shire Council.

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For any enquiries please contact MAYOR JOHN MEDCALF OAM on 0429 937 248.