Health activist is top Guyra citizen for 2020

Cancer support volunteer and community health activist Sue Adams is the Guyra 2020 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Ms Adams has been chosen for her enduring work with the Can Assist cancer support group and her efforts to encourage Guyra district residents to be active.

Her award was announced at tonight’s Guyra Australia Day dinner, along with the other recipients of this year’s Guyra Australia Day Awards.

Ms Adams runs a weekly exercise group for Home Support Services and founded the Guyra Heart Foundation Walking Group.

The Guyra Garden Club President is also a Past President of the St Vincent de Paul Guyra Conference and Catholic Women’s League, as well as a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Guyra Central School Vice Captain Colleen Pearson has received the Young Citizen of the Year Award.

The Year 12 student volunteers in a number of organisations, including committees for the Lamb & Potato Festival and Guyra Show, and runs kids sewing classes.

She also assists with the school’s Breakfast Club, encouraging healthy eating by younger students at the school.

Other award recipients

Contribution to Sport and Recreation – John Credland

Mr Credland maintains local cricket grounds, assists with organisation for Guyra Show and pony camps.

Community Event of the Year – St Mary’s of the Angels Centenary

A weekend of celebrations including a dinner attended by 237 people, Mass on Sunday which filled the church and a display of memorabilia.

Community Service Award – Lamb & Potato Festival Committee

The festival has been held since 1986 to promote two of Guyra’s main industries. It has grown to include many attractions and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the region.

Sportsperson of the Year – Fletcher Richardson

Represented the Northern Zone at State and National Clay Shooting Championships. Captained the NSW junior team and topped NSW junior rankings.

Art & Culture Award – Guyra & District Historical Society  

The society was established in 1986 and headed the creation of the Guyra Museum in 1988. The museum, housed in the original Guyra Shire Council chambers, now contains more than 4000 items. Society members have produced 15 historical journals on Guyra buildings, families and activities.

Other award nominees

Diane Burey – Member of Hospital Auxiliary of Guyra for 15 years, former President and Vice President. Member of Guyra Show for three decades (Head Steward for 20 years). Judge for both the Guyra and Armidale shows.

Chris Sole – Guyra Show Society Treasurer for more than 15 years, as well as concurrently serving as President for four years. Treasurer of Guyra Bowling Club and Guyra Rugby Union Club. Donates time to audit financial records for many community organisations.

Julie Stride –Pivotal in organisation of ANZAC Day and Australia Day ceremonies and Christmas carols. Coordinates Ben Lomond Hall events and plays music for Guyra Combined Churches Choir, Ben Lomond Winter Fair, Anglican Christmas Eve service and other events.

Ben Lomond Hall Committee - hosted Alstonville Plateau Historical Museum’s presentation (Frock Club) and morning tea to raise funds for drought assistance. Attracted more than 100 people, raised awareness about the history of fashion and the environmental implications of ‘disposable clothing’.

Troutfest – Successful event in 2019 despite the drought. Successful fishing school at Guyra Bowling Club.

Savannah Roberts – Dancing instructor who has performed as a featured artist at the Schools Spectacular in Sydney.

Published on 26 Jan 2020