Australia Day celebrations were in full swing in the Murrumbidgee Council area, with vibrant celebrations in each township.
Award ceremonies were held in Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point.
A Citizen of the Year was presented in each town, with the three recipients recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community.
These were Joan Ferris in Jerilderie, Chris Gardiner in Coleambally and Troy Heath in Darlington Point.
Numerous other awards were also presented.
The turnout was impressive at each venue, with large crowds gathering to honour the achievements of local citizens.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae expressed her delight in attending each ceremony in the council area and having the opportunity to join with the community to recognise the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond for the betterment of the community.
Cr McRae congratulated each of the Australia Day Award recipients and nominees.
She acknowledged that their contributions and achievements were truly inspiring and have made a tangible difference in making the community a better place.
This year’s celebrations were also attended by Australia Day Ambassador John Harper, the founder of Mate helping Mate.
Mr Harper participated in the events at Coleambally and Darlington Point and provided an inspirational address at each.
Award recipients were as follows.
Jerilderie
• Citizen of the Year: Joan Ferris
• Sportsperson of the Year: Trevor Eldridge
• Little Aussie Awards: William Maynard, St Joseph’s Primary School; Jacinta Eldridge, Jerilderie Public School.
Coleambally
• Citizen of the Year: Chris Gardiner
• Young Citizen of the Year: Eloise Jay
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Samantha Harris
• Event of the Year: Can do the Challenge
• Sportsperson of the Year: Michelle Brain
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Tara Bedard
• Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year: Harvey Pound
• Sporting team of the Year: St Peter’s Swimming Relay Team: Logan Pound, Fergus Steers, Giselle Gill and Breanna Witham.
Darlington Point
• Citizen of the Year: Troy Heath
• Young Citizen of the Year: Jharal Coe
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Zavian Miles
• Event/Group Achievement of the Year: Darlington Point Rural Fire Brigade.