The people of Federation Council who go above and beyond in their respective areas to ensure our communities thrive and grow were honoured on Australia Day in Bangerang Park Corowa last Wednesday.
“Our awards’ nominees here with us today are very special people, whose donation of time and effort warrants this type of special celebration,” Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said.
“I am so proud of our community and those in it who continue to go above and beyond in their respective areas to ensure our communities thrive and grow, especially in the midst of such challenging times.”
Dean and Lauren Holgate of Mulwala were announced as Federation Council’s 2022 joint Citizens of the Year.
The Holgates have been in business at the Lake Mulwala Bakery for almost 12 years. “They are among the most generous and community minded people, they have devoted themselves to their craft as bakers and shop keepers,” Mayor Bourke said.
“They have a deep desire to serve their community wholeheartedly, not just to make money for their own sake, but to make a difference over all to the community.
“This couple is generous at heart and have made considerable contributions towards local schools, sporting clubs, the Lions Club, other local businesses and numerous community fundraising events.
“Their shop is a place where the community and local organisations gather for meetings, friends and family can get together where there is such a warm and friendly atmosphere.”
Lauren and Dean very much appreciate the support received from the public, “because without them it would not give us this privilege and opportunity to do what we do”.
“It’s definitely a ‘wow’ for us both as we never expect acknowledgment for helping anyone,” Lauren said.
“We live in an amazing community that we love to help and support. We have great satisfaction in making a footprint and will continue to do so.”
Local Achiever Awards went to Kerrie Ormond of Corowa, Fran Weidner of Howlong, and Lauren and Dean Holgate of Mulwala.
All have made long and excellent voluntary efforts, with Kerrie’s association with sport, schools, Landcare, the Corowa Community Garden and Fran’s work with schools, sport, Meals on Wheels, aged care and Vision Australia.
The modest stars summed up their thoughts on volunteering “Volunteering is an amazing thing to do,” Kerrie said. “One small act can have great consequences. If you get a chance have a go.” Fran said: “I do what I need to do.”
Country Women’s Association – Oaklands won the 2022 Community Group of the Year award.
CWA is a liked-minded group of women, of various ages, working to achieve the aims of the CWA Association. “Primary at the head of those aims is the desire to improve conditions and welfare of all women and families especially in country areas,” Mayor Bourke said.
“By bringing women and families together, a network of support is formed, along with a forum for the voice of all women in the ACT and NSW. CWA support schemes which enhance the value of country living, especially health and educational facilities. They encourage development in regional areas and work to increase the viability of rural communities and the environment. CWA provide a voice to Government at all levels and promote International goodwill, friendship, understanding and tolerance between all people.”
In accepting the award, Oaklands secretary Heather Kerr recalled a line from the great Aussies Rules footballer and coach, Ron Barassi. “He said: ‘You can’t be proud of something unless you’ve done it yourself’. We’ve just celebrated 70 years of CWA at Oaklands and 50 years since our rooms opened.”
Over 300 entries contested the popular and Christmas-spirited Light Up Federation Awards. Best Decorated House went to Lisa Edmonds of Hay Street, Corowa. Best Decorated Street was O’Brien Court, Corowa. Court House Kitchen, Howlong won Best Decorated Business.
These and school student awards were presented after an inspirational address by Australia Day Ambassadors Ralph and Kathy Kelly founders of the Thomas Kelly Foundation who spoke about their eldest son Thomas. Thomas was 18-years-old when he died in tragic circumstances in July 2012, in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
Determined not to let a similar fate happen twice, the Kelly family established the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation implementing the ‘Take Kare Safe Space’ (Take Kare is after Thomas Kelly’s initials) program in December 2014, with a vision of ‘ensuring all of our youth come home safely’, operating Friday and Saturday nights with teams of volunteers across three key sites, assisting people who may be intoxicated, or drug affected, under age youth, people who are vulnerable or those subjected to physical and sexual assault, self-harm, violence and theft.
The Foundation works closely with emergency services, the liquor industry and local communities in order to share the common vision of saving lives.
The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation was re-branded to ‘Stay Kind’ in July 2019. Stay Kind is currently working with Federal and State politicians, education, parents and families; is formally communication with Local Government councils accordingly. The Kelly’s vision is to take kindness to every corner of Australia, something they are undoubtedly achieving.
Due to Covid-19, the formal seating area on this year’s Australia Day was an invitation-only arrangement. But many other interested onlookers made their way down to the beautiful Bangerang Park and loved the ceremony.
Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler was Master of Ceremonies and first up guest speaker was Rodney Dowling from Jerilderie with Welcome to Country.
“Corowa is opposite Wahgunyah which means home – looking over the river as ‘Wah’ is water and ‘Gunyah’ your home,” he said. “There was a river crossing here, it was made of rocks, they were removed for paddle steamers.
“My great grandfather is John Connelly (Korrimill), his brother is Yarramill better known as Tommy McRae, their grandfather is William Buckley the runaway, he ran for his freedom.
“He took them to sea, to see the ships sailing, he told them: they will soon land, make friends, show and tell them your culture. My great grandfather told them the stories and great uncle Tommy showed them with pictures.”
Rodney expressed his congratulations to all 2022 award winners and welcomed new Australians: “Welcome inland, your new home” then delivered a final message: “I can remember when I was a kid: when you go to Corowa be careful swimming in the river as there are snags, and don’t dive in, you might hit rock bottom.” A wonderful message which was a recent front page story of the The Free Press.
There were individual and group awards, a Citizenship Ceremony was conducted for four new Aussies, the crowd enjoyed the interesting speeches and the excellent, free barbecue lunch provided by The Rotary Club of Corowa.
Simply superb was the National Anthem singing performance by Corowa’s Dylan Forge. The bagpipe player and former Federation Youth Council Mayor received a huge applause for his wonderful performance to conclude proceedings. Council’s 2023 Australia Day celebration will be held in Mulwala.