AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
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Each year Lachlan Shire celebrates what is great about Australia with a free community breakfast and official ceremony including the presentation of the Australia Day Awards.
This Australia Day, some of the Lachlan Shire’s finest were recognised for their exceptional contribution and outstanding service to the local community at the official ceremony held at the Sail and Power Boat Club, on the foreshore of the spectacular Lake Cargelligo.
With a free hearty community breakfast on offer, the day was off to a great start!
A highlight of the morning was the address by Australia Day Ambassador Ms Donna Burton and a message from the Federal Member for Parkes, the Hon. Mark Coulton MP, who joined the celebrations.
Ambassador Donna, an astronomer and science communicator, is passionate about astronomy and has made it her life’s work. She was recognised for being the first Australian woman to discover two comets and shared her knowledge and ancient stories of the sky to inspire and enthuse the audience – which she certainly did.
Ms Burton then joined Lachlan Shire Mayor, Cr John Medcalf OAM to present the Lachlan Shire Australia Day Awards to:
Lachlan Shire Citizen of the Year 2022: Dr Khaled Bardawil
Dr Bardawil was nominated for his outstanding service as General Practitioner to the Lake Cargelligo and the surrounding areas. In 2021, Dr Bardawil played a major role in coordinating the immunisation of the local community against COVID-19. Dr Bardawil and his team worked around the clock to protect the community.
Lachlan Shire Australia Day Award 2022: Sue Nicholls
Sue’s extensive contribution to the Tottenham community saw her nominated for an Australia Day Award. Sue is a passionate advocate for the Tottenham community and is an active member of several committees, and is a tireless volunteer helper.
Lachlan Shire Sportsperson of the Year 2022: Dylan Bendall
Dylan is a talented sportsperson, who leads by example on and off the field and is dedicated to several sporting clubs and associations in Tullibigeal and beyond.
Mayor Medcalf said, “the awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work, and determination of individuals, groups and organisations in making a positive difference in our Shire. On behalf of Council and the community, I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr Khaled, Sue and Dylan. I would also like to congratulate all award nominees for their incredible contributions and commitment to making our Shire a great place to live.”
Those gathered have headed to the Lake Cargelligo Memorial Swimming Pool for the official opening of the new amenities block by Federal Member for Parkes, the Hon. Mark Coulton MP and an afternoon of fun and activities.
In other parts of the shire, Condobolin Swimming Pool is the place to be from 5:00pm with free BBQ, activities, and the Des Manwaring OAM Relay Race.
At Tullibigeal, the Progress Association will host a free community lunch event at 12:30pm, featuring an Australia Day address by Ambassador Donna, and the Mayfield Hotel will roll out an action-packed program. While Burcher Hotel will host a free BBQ from 6:00pm.
In the north, Tottenham Memorial Swimming Pool will be a hive of activity, with free entertainment, activities from 3:00pm, and BBQ dinner followed by the presentation of the Tottenham Australia Day Awards at 7:00pm.
Mayor Medcalf applauded the innovative Australia Day activities planned by communities across the shire and thanked the many event organisers who worked hard to coordinate activities and bring the day together under the continuing COVID-19 restrictions.