Australia Day: South West Rocks citizens of the year

Australia Day: South West Rocks photos 

THE winners of the South West Rocks Lions Club Australia Day award went to joint recipients Yvonne Phillips and Merryl Shone.

Shocked to receive the award, Merryl Shone told the Macleay Argus it is wonderful to be recognised within the community.

“We didn’t even know we had been nominated,” Yvonne said.

“It’s very nice to be noticed but we do the work in the community because we love it and it’s worthwhile.”

Both Yvonne and Merryl have both been organisers of the South West Rockers Day Club for the past 11 years, provide respite once a week for residents and organise activities and outings for the community.  They are also involved in fund raising for the South West Rocks Senior Citizens and volunteer at the Visitor Information centre once a week.

Merryl said being involved with the South West Rockers is very rewarding.

“It’s great to get out and give back to the community and I find it very rewarding but most of all it can make people feel apart of the community.”

South West Rocks Lions Club president Iris McKelligott said Australia Day is about celebrating and bringing the community together to celebrate the day with us. 

“The South West Rocks Lions Club put a breakfast on for the community every Australia Day and we have the Sing Australia group and the Kempsey Silver Band entertaining the crowd and of course the Australia Day nominees and winners.

“It’s very important because it brings the community together and also shows what the Lions Club do because a lot of people don’t realise the money we raise including the money we raise today all goes back to the community but also around the world.”

For pictures of the day go to the Macleay Argus gallery.