Media Release supplied by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Our way of saying ‘thanks’
Music, barbecues, citizenship oaths, inspiring stories from our Ambassadors, cricket and splashing around at the pools, marked Australia Day 2020 in the Upper Hunter Shire.
Australia Day Ambassadors Paralympic swimmer Taylor Corry, food and wine expert Lyndey Milan and gardening presenter Graham Ross shared their inspiring stories.
Outstanding Upper Hunter citizens were recognised with Australia Day awards.
An additional Mayoral award went to the members and volunteers of the Rural Fire Service, accepted by RFS Liverpool Range District Officer Mark Murphy.
Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year 2020 – Justine Cooper
Justine Cooper, with other volunteers, runs the “Doing it for our Farmers” group which coordinates donations and supplies water, groceries and other household products to those impacted by drought, through direct deliveries and the Pop Up Pantry located in Murrurundi.
Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year 2020 – Jackson Keane
Jackson Keane is a leader in the Merriwa region. He has been involved in Merriwa Little Athletics Club for eight years excelling in shotput, javelin and discus. In 2018 he commenced as a junior coach, providing encouragement and training athletes aged 5 to 16 years. He has built a rapport with young athletes who look up to him and he is admired by parents for his commitment and compassion. He has supported other sporting groups including Merriwa Park Run and the 10’s Junior Rugby League team.
Jackson has been an inspiring leader of the Merriwa Central School ROAR program, represented his school at the Where There’s a Will 2019 Youth Leadership summit in Adelaide, and was an enthusiastic participant in the Merriwa Rotary Club ‘Ripen’ initiative.
Aberdeen District Awards
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Janine Katon
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Bella-Rose Partridge
ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Carole and Bob Johnston
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Ruby Brochtrup
SPECIAL AWARD – ONGOING COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Joan Johnston
School Achievement Award & Creative Arts Excellence Award – Caitlin Brown (St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen)
Merriwa District Awards
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Tash Taaffe
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Jackson Keane
ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Julia Wilton
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Nicole Martin
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre and Men’s Shed
SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS AWARD Ben Frampton
ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT Denis Nutt
School Achievement Award – Victoria McNaught (Merriwa Central School)
Creative Arts Excellence Award – Chelsea Borradaile (Merriwa Central School)
Murrurundi District Awards
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Justine Cooper
ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Jenny Loasby
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Blandford Public School Relay Team
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR Doing It for our Farmers
Scone District Awards
HUNTER MCLOUGHLIN MEMORIAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Helen Archibald
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Katie Sutcliffe
ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Garry Dawson
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Tyla Brown
SPECIAL AWARD – ONGOING SUPPORT OF YOUTH Lindy Hunt
SPECIAL AWARD – OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL Cassie Fisher
School Achievement Award – Alexander Young (Scone High School)
Creative Arts Excellence Award – Matthew Kilroy (Scone High School)
School Achievement Award – Stella Norvill (Scone Grammar School)
Winners of the School Achievement and Creative Arts Excellence Awards each receive a $1,000 cheque from Council to go towards tertiary study in their chosen category.