Top citizens tie for Guyra's Citizen of the Year

Two of Guyra's most dedicated residents were awarded the 2021 Citizen of the Year at Guyra's Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

Ms Williams has spent the past 40 years volunteering and assisting community organisations such as Meals on Wheels, the Group 19 and Northern Tablelands Rugby League, Guyra’s Country Women’s Association, and the Guyra Probus Club. She has also spent decades lending a hand to community events such as the Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival and the Guyra Show.

While this dedication to the community is tough to beat, Mr Williamson has also dedicated years of his life to the Guyra community, which is why two nominees were awarded the top prize this year.

Mr Williamson has completed 45 years of service with the Guyra Fire and Rescue brigade, with 38 of those years spent as Captain. This dedication to his community is no small feat, especially when paired with his long list of volunteering and committee roles. He has served as a Committee Member of the Guyra Show Society, the Kolora Aged Care Hostel, and Guyra’s Voluntary Rescue Association. He was also a renowned local business owner for 35 years.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr. Ian Tiley was joined by this year’s local Australia Day Ambassador, Steve Widders to present the awards. Mr Widders is a local Indigenous icon, and is a passionate advocate for those living with a disability, youth and children, refugees, and Indigenous Australians.

OTHER GUYRA AWARD WINNERS

Young Citizen of the Year: Joseph Stanley –Mr Stanley has been a part of the Student Representative Council at Guyra Central School for the past four years, and was recently announced as Vice-Captain for 2021. He was also recently selected for the National youth Science Forum and was selected into the UNSW Spring Gateway Program. In addition to his academic achievements, Mr Stanley has volunteered at several local events.

Community Service Award for Group or Club: Guyra Volunteer Rescue Association – The Guyra Volunteer Rescue Association assists the community when accidents and natural disasters occur. Examples of the club’s contribution to the local community include providing bushfire relief to Tenterfield in last year’s bushfires, distributing food and water to those affected by the drought, and providing a free pop-up laundry for rural residents in the drought.

Community Event of the Year: Beauty, Bubbles and Bliss Community Event – Beauty, Bubbles and Bliss is a community event organised by Michelle Murray for rural ladies who have had a tough year dealing with bushfires and drought.

Sportsperson of the Year: Meg Simpson – Meg has been playing golf twice a week for over 40 years, and is a valuable mentor to young golfers in the Guyra community.

Contribution to Sports and Recreation: Guyra Cricket Club – Guyra Cricket Club has facilitated significant growth over the past four years, introducing several new sides. This has significantly grown and improved the quality of the sport within the region.

OTHER GUYRA NOMINEES

Pat Darby – Citizen of the Year

Hans Hietbrink – Citizen of the Year

Andrew Pearson – Young Citizen of the Year

Helen Turnham - APRA Op Shop – Community Service Award for Group or Club

Peter Hansen – Guyra Heritage Rail Group – Community Service Award for Group or Club

Guyra Lady Golfers – Contribution to Sports and Recreation

Published on 26 Jan 2021