Outstanding citizens and community groups were recognised for their contributions to the Kempsey Shire community on Wednesday night at the 2017 Australia Day Eve Awards ceremony.
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Held at the Slim Dusty Centre at South Kempsey, Uncle Bob started proceedings with a welcome to country, before Kempsey Australia Day ambassador Nic Newling addressed the crowd of about 200 people.
Mr Newling is a world-renowned mental health advocate who flew from New York for the event. He spoke candidly about his experiences with his own mental health as well as the suicide of his older brother, and emphasised the need for country communities to “start the conversation”.
“I believe that every single one of us has the opportunity to help someone else,” he said towards the end of his speech.
With Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey watching on, the 2017 award winners were announced, starting with the group of the year, which was awarded to Riding for the Disabled Kempsey-Macleay.
Since its inception in 2005, the group has enriched the lives of people with disability.
Each week, a group of dedicated volunteers teach students from four local schools, pre-school children and adults how to ride as well as other horse related activities at the Kempsey Showground.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Frank Oakes. For every week for the past seven years, Frank has volunteered his time playing piano to entertain residents at Vincent Court, Booroongen Djugun Aged Care Facility, Parklands Cottage, the Kempsey Carers Group at the Catholic Hall and the Kempsey Pensioners Hall.
Drew Walsh was named Young Citizen of the Year for his leadership at school, within agriculture, sport and scouting.
The Kempsey High School captain has led workshops on safe driving and passenger behaviour for both high school and primary school students and was awarded a John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award by the Order of Australia Association in 2016.
Sonya Murphy was named Citizen of the Year for her work with a variety of community groups. This includes 32 years in playing, administrative and leading roles with the Macleay Netball Association, as well as positions at Smithtown Junior League Club, Lower Macleay Magpies Rugby League Club, Kempsey Little Athletics and the Macleay Valley Diabetes Group.
Twelve new Australian citizens, from countries as diverse as Finland, India, Sri Lanka and China, were also recognised.
Cr Campbell congratulated the winners and all of this year’s nominees for their contributions.
