Published on Thursday, 28 January 2021 at 9:17:46 AM
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
A great morning was enjoyed by all that joined us on Australia Day in Bindoon for the Shire of Chittering's 'Australia Day Picnic Breakfast'. We were very fortunate this year to enjoy a pleasant morning under the marquees, in Clune Park, with the weather being favourable for the event.
Thank you to the Councillors who manned the barbecue to provide us all with the very Australian “Sausage Sizzle” breakfast, and to the local businesses who supported the event through preparing our special orders.
Event attendees arranged themselves on the grass in front of the rotunda and were entertained by local members of BEAT (the Bindoon Entertainment, Arts and Theatre) - David McSweeney, Barni Norton, Graham Donaldson, Ken Williams, Ken Harrison and Alan Barnes. These fine musicians once again set the atmosphere for the day with a selection of classic Australian songs and ballads.
Official proceedings commenced from 10am with a great crowd in attendance. Shire CEO, Matthew Gilfellon, opened proceedings and conducted an Acknowledgement of Country and the Yued People of the region. Following this Shire President, Cr Kylie Hughes, stepped forward to undertake her opening address. She touched on a number of topics during her speech, including the ever-present COVID-19 pandemic, which affected our lives so much since the outbreak in 2020.
The Citizenship Ceremony was subsequently conducted. This Australia Day, our community had the privilege of welcoming five new citizens to our Shire, and by extension, to Australia. Congratulations to the following on officially becoming citizens of Australia:
- Jonalee Catalan
- Kent Quibot
- Monika Szennyes
- Michael Steinbrecher
- Jemma Holdcroft
This concluded the first half of the proceedings.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
2020 EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Councillor Peter Osborn, presented the Year 6 Education Scholarship. The winner of the 2021 Year 6 Education Scholarship was Logan Udy.
Cr Mary Angus presented the Year 10 Education Scholarship. The winner of the 2021 Year 10 Education Scholarship was Sienna Eddy.
SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
Councillor Donald Gibson read the award recipient for 2020 Edmund Rice College School Citizenship Award as Akira Kemp. Akira was not present to accept the award in person.
Cr Curtis to present the 2020 Immaculate Heart College School Citizenship Award. The 2020 School Citizenship Award winner, was Aria Carpenter.
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE
The Honorary Freemen of the Shire, Mr Lee Martin made a presentation of recognition of Service Award to Cr Donald Gibson, who is retiring on 31 January 2021 after some 16 years of serving his community.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
The proceedings then moved on to present the 2020 Australia Day WA Community Citizen Awards where Councillors Ross and Hughes read about the nominees that had been received this year. The one common theme that became evident when listening to all nominations, was the number of people involved with- and striving to better our community in many different ways.
Congratulations to all of the following nominees:
- Brian Chipchase
- Barni Norton
- Paul Harrison
- Nita Hart
SENIOR COMMUNITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The recipient of this award was Mr Chris Waldie
COMMUNITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The recipient of this award was Ms Anne Maree Hagge
Congratulations to all of the nominees and recipients. It certainly was inspiring to hear of so many people in our community working towards making it better place.
Following the presentation of the Community Citizen of the Year Awards, official proceedings concluded and Shire CEO, Matthew Gilfellon thanked the community for attending. Local musicians then continued to entertain the crowd whilst festivities wound down.
This event would not have been made possible without the support of our community members, local businesses, Shire staff and Councillors and many others. We all appreciate your contribution to this event which would not have been a success otherwise.
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