Australia Day: Macleay Citizens of the Year

Mark Morrison, the head of Macleay Vocational College, was named in a ceremony at The Slim Dusty Centre last night, when Shire mayor Councillor Liz Campbell and Kempsey Australia Day ambassador, children’s author Christopher Cheng, jointly presented the awards.

Described as “a sincere, amazing and caring man” and one of “Kempsey’s favourite sons,” Mr Morrison is credited with going above and beyond his role. 

He is known for always making himself available to his students when they need advice and support  – even if it means after-hours calls or visits. 

Young Citizen of the Year

Talented swimmer Mark Thurgood – who  has competed in events at state and national level and is the winner of a  bronze medal in the 400m freestyle at the NSW Pacific School Games – is Young Citizen of the Year.

A member of  the Kempsey Swimming Club since 2001, Mr Thurgood has been the club’s  captain and is known for the inspiration and support he gives younger members of the club.

Group of the Year

The Group of the Year award has gone to the Dhangatti Language Group, made up of a  small number of the  local indigenous Dhungutti people dedicated to keeping their language alive.

The group has a long history of teaching the language in local schools and in classes run from the Kempsey TAFE campus. 

Members recently celebrated when minister for roads, maritime and freight, Duncan Gay, announced that ‘yapang gurraarrbang gayanddugayigu’ (long track to the other side) – the group’s choice for the name of the Kempsey Bypass bridge would be officially recognised. 

The group had been campaigning for the name to be recognised since 2012.  

Cr Campbell congratulated the three winners and all the nominees for the contributions they have made to their community. 

“One of the great privileges of being mayor is to host the official Australia Day awards presentation,” she said. 

“As a community, it is our chance to say thank you.”