‘‘Norm has made an extraordinary contribution to our community over many years,’’ Mayor Peta Betts said, as Mr Purtill made his way to the podium to accept his award on Wednesday morning.
‘‘A true community servant, Norm has been heavily involved in various community groups and service clubs, from the voluntary secretary/manager at Deniliquin Golf Club to a strong contributor at the Lions Club.
‘‘He was very involved in the development of the Four Post Youth Camp, and even the building of the amenities block here in the Waring Gardens.’’
Cr Betts said the community was so grateful for all his efforts.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year, Jenny Fellows, presented Mr Purtill with his award alongside Cr Betts.
Mr Purtill said it was ‘‘quite unexpected and quite overwhelming’’ to be chosen.
‘‘I accept his honour, on behalf of all the volunteers in the Edward River Council,’’ Mr Purtill said.
‘‘I’m just one of many volunteers who have worked over many years, to make Edward River Council and Deniliquin a better place to live.’’
Not a family to sit still, the Purtills are known for their commitment to community services and business in Deniliquin and district.
‘‘When I was nominated for this award, I reflected on the fact that yes, I have been involved in the community for many years, but I’m probably the second generation (to do that).
‘‘With my dad, I’d often ask mum, ‘where’s dad?’ (and she would say), ‘Oh, dad’s in a meeting’, and he was at a board meeting or a staff meeting.
‘‘And I think when my children were growing up, they probably asked, ‘where’s Norm?’, (and my wife would say) ‘oh, he’s at Lions or at a meeting or he’s at the Four Post.’’
Mr Purtill thanked his wife Beverly, and commended his children Adam and Melissa, who no longer live in Deniliquin, for putting so much effort into their own communities.
‘‘They (my children) are involved in a number of committees that are helping the local community,’’ he said. He also thanked He urged all residents to get involved in their local groups for the benefit of everyone.
The Citizen of the Year award is presented to a resident who has made a ‘‘noteworthy contribution’’ to the betterment of the Edward River region or who has given outstanding service to the local community in the past 12 months or over a number of years.
‘‘This year’s nominees reflected the depth of community spirit we have within the local Edward River Council area,’’ Cr Betts said in congratulating the other nominees — Kaye McCabe and Lourene Liebenberg.
‘‘The work you all do within our community is acknowledged and whilst we only have one Citizen of the Year, I hope you are proud to be recognised within the community,’’ she said.
The ceremony began informally at 7.30am, with the Rotary Club hosting a breakfast for those who attended.
As the morning wore on, the crowd swelled to a couple of hundred people under the shade of the Waring Gardens’ Moreton Bay fig trees.
Guests were entertained with music and a live performance by the Sing Australia Choir before MC and Australia Day committee member Sam Hall introduced the event, followed by a Welcome to Country by founding member of the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Laura Hand Ross, who explained the complex and sombre relationship First Nations people have with January 26 (see page 5)
Also representing the committee were Crs Pat Fogarty and Peta Betts, former councillor Marg Bull and Liz Dudley. Council’s general manager Phil Stone was also in attendance.
Committee chair Cr Fogarty acknowledged the recent passing of former Edward River mayor Norm Brennan, who was an Australia Day committee member and whose funeral service was held in the gardens last Friday.
Cr Fogarty thanked those in attendance for ‘‘coming together’’ and celebrating ‘‘one community, one Edward River’’.
In her opening address, Cr Betts said it was an honour to be hosting her first Australia Day ceremony as the newly elected mayor of Edward River.
‘‘Today, we not only celebrate what makes our nation great, we also have the pleasure of acknowledging our own great Australians here in the Edward River community.
‘‘The people we are acknowledging here today have led by example, often making efforts and contributions over many years.
‘‘Whether it is an inspiring or personal achievement or supporting the participation of others, volunteering for important causes, or giving, caring and raising money for charity, our 2022 Australia Day award recipients are all shining examples of what being Australian is all about.’’
Deniliquin-born man and former Sydney Swans player Leo Barry Jnr was the day’s Ambassador, where he spoke about his history with the area and how a country upbringing continues to inspire his life (see page 4).
Four awards were presented at the ceremony, including the Environment (Bill Hermiston Memorial) Award, the Community Event or Initiative of the Year Award, the Arts and Culture Award, and the Citizen of the Year Award (see pages 6 and 7).
Cr Betts said the ceremony not only acknowledges current achievements, but seeks to remember ‘‘community champions’’, which she added are plentiful in the Edward River district, from all industries and walks of life.