Local Community Achievements Celebrated on Australia Day

Lithgow City Council Mayor Ray Thompson welcomed a number of new Australian citizens and celebrated the achievements of local people at the Australia Day ceremony held at Queen Elizabeth Park on 26 January 2020.

“Welcoming new Australian citizens into our community is an important part of Australia Day,” said the Mayor. “Likewise, the Citizenship Awards enable the community to reflect on what’s great about our region and highlights those individuals and organisations who embody the values that we celebrate on Australia Day.”

The Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognises the generosity and dedication of individuals who commit their time and expertise to worthy causes within the community, was awarded to Leanne Walding. The award recognizes Leanne’s contribution through multiple volunteer roles including the Lithgow ‘Walk n Talk’ and associated Suicide Bereavement Group, the LithGrow Community Garden, the Local Drug Action Team, Lithgow Health Consumer Working Group, Psychosocial Needs Assessment for Consumers and Carers in the Nepean Blue Mountains Mental Health, and Suicide Regional Plan.

The Young Citizen Achievement Award was presented to Shannon O’Regan in recognition of her engagement within the community including demonstrating positive leadership skills in her role as School Captain at La Salle Academy and her extensive involvement in the Lithgow Musical Society.

The Citizen Achievement Award recognises the achievements of local individuals who make a difference to our community by excelling in their chosen field. Garry Brown received the award this year for his achievements in local business and contributions to the wellbeing of the community. Within senior positions at the Lithgow Community Private Hospital and Three Tree Lodge, Garry made significant contributions to the provision of health and care services to local residents and the sustainability of local businesses. Garry has also volunteered his time to benefit many organisations and community groups including social/family events and education programs for colliery employees, fundraising events for local charities, children’s sporting clubs, and rescue groups including Lithgow Mine Rescue, and NSW Fire and Rescue.

CAN Assist Lithgow was presented the Service to the Community Award for providing a vital local service by supporting cancer sufferers with financial assistance, including supporting medical needs, transport and chemist expenses and offering much needed financial relief for individuals and families during a very difficult time. Volunteers at Can Assist Lithgow work tirelessly to fundraise, ensuring this service is available to as many people as possible in the Lithgow community.

In recognition of the significant contribution that special events make to our region, the Outstanding Event of the Year Award was presented to Trybal Productions for The Garden of the Mind, an installation and performance that aimed to raise awareness of mental health and promote social inclusion and wellness within the community. Directed by Trybal Productions it brought together artists, multiple local mental health providers and members of the community experiencing mental health issues. Following 10 months developmental work, the event was presented at Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park during Mental Health Week in October 2019.