Celebrating the Great Aussie Spirit
As we go to print, we have just marked Australia Day. Whilst the date may have been a hot topic around many a BBQ on the day, one thing we can all agree on is that it's a day to recognise all citizens and their contribution to our communities.
So while Dylan Alcott may have taken out the top gong on the national stage, it's also a day for recognising the individuals in our local areas making a difference to the everyday lives of our friends and families.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of her outstanding and meritorious service to the museums and galleries sector.
Lauretta is a highly respected arts leader, advocate, and advisor and sits on multiple Industry Boards and Committees for organisations such as Create NSW, Museums and Galleries NSW, the University of Newcastle, and the John Hunter Hospital.
In Port Stephens, the founder of an online pen pal group aimed at combatting loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was named 2021 Port Stephens' Citizen of the Year.
November Sheehan created the Facebook group Heart Letter Pen at the pandemic's peak to support elderly residents in aged care who were feeling lonely or anxious. It's since become a nationwide network.
November was one of six community members and groups recognised at the 2021 Port Stephens Annual Awards, which was held as part of Australia Day celebrations at Raymond Terrace. Mayor Ryan Palmer said the Australia Day event, sponsored by Terrace Central, was the perfect opportunity to thank local groups and individuals for their service
and generosity.
"There are people in our community who go that little bit further, give that little bit extra and inspire all of us to make every day better, and the Port Stephens Annual Awards are our way of formally recognising their amazing contribution to our region," Mayor Palmer said.
"They're fantastic role models for our community, and it's an honour to be able to recognise their service."
Cessnock City Council hosted their 2022 Australia Day Awards at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and welcomed
Cessnock's four newest Australian citizens while recognising the contributions made by members of the local community.
Jordan Fallon was named Citizen of the Year, having dedicated a significant amount of time to preserving the local military history in the small villages of Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington, ensuring we remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have gone before us.
Michael Lowing was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for his dedication to the Branxton community, while Cessnock's Young Citizen of the Year went to Isabella Metcalfe for her excellence in youth advocacy and leadership and extensive history of volunteering.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said it was a privilege to be part of the awards and citizenship ceremonies and congratulated everyone involved.
"We are so lucky to live in a community with so many incredible, community-minded people who make significant contributions to make our local government area a better place to live," Councillor Suvaal said.
Maitland resident Melita Chilcott was named Citizen of the Year at the city's Australia Day Ceremony. Melita has been a resident of Maitland for 30 years and was honoured for her volunteer work with vulnerable community members, senior citizens and the homeless.
In addition to her tireless work with the State Emergency Service, Meals on Wheels and as a pro bono wedding and baby photographer for less fortunate people in the community, Ms Chilcott has applied her TAFE qualification in hairdressing by offering her services free of charge to homeless and disadvantaged people at rehabilitation clinics and churches. She
was nominated for the award by her daughter, Nadine Peters.
"I always wanted her to win an award for being the person she is. My mum proves that you don't have to be rich or famous to make a difference, just passionate about wanting to help," said Nadine.
Bolwarra Heights resident Montana Duggan was named Young Citizen of the Year for her work on the local non-profit Friends of Palliative Care committee. Since losing her father to cancer in 2011, Ms Duggan has worked with the group to raise money for quality palliative care services across the Hunter Valley, serving as vice president and now president of the
committee.
"We are fortunate to have young people like Montana in our community," said Maitland Mayor Phillip Penfold.
"Her commitment to her cause, leadership qualities and fundraising efforts are more than deserving of this year's Young Citizen of the Year award."
An all-female line-up took out City of Newcastle's 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards, announced at an intimate award ceremony at the City Administration Centre prior to Australia Day.
Silver Paralympic medallist and three-time world paratriathlon champion Lauren Parker was crowned Citizen of the Year following remarkable results in Tokyo and on the world series circuit in Abu Dhabi. It came less than five years after Lauren was told she would never walk again after a horrific cycling accident whilst training for an Ironman event left her paralysed from the waist down.
"Lauren epitomises the Citizen of the Year title; her never-give-up attitude inspiring countless Novocastrians as she achieves anything she sets her mind to," said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
"Her strength and resilience are admirable, always giving 110 per cent despite the daily battles we don't see, managing ongoing pain from her injuries."
Newcastle's youngest Citizen of the Year in recent history, Lauren said she was honoured to receive the award.
"Every day since the accident has been a physical and mental battle, but training and representing Newcastle helps me channel the pain into a positive outlet and show others that they too can achieve their dreams no matter what life throws at them," Lauren said.
University of Newcastle law and business student Ashley Harrison was named Young Citizen of the Year 2022 in recognition of her advocacy for victims of revenge porn, phishing, and impersonation, helping young women avoid exploitation, while Jan Chamberlain is Newcastle's Senior Citizen of the Year 2022, leading Hamilton South Community Solutions.
This dedicated group works to improve the area's amenity and reduce the stigma surrounding social housing.
At Lake Macquarie, almost 70 new citizens were welcomed from all corners of the globe in a ceremony at Rathmines.
The 67 women, men and children who took the citizenship pledge of commitment hailed from 24 nations spanning six continents, including Brazil, Tibet, Egypt and Vietnam.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, who presided over the ceremony, said Australia Day was the perfect opportunity to welcome new citizens.
"Our diversity of cultures, and the way we embrace them, helps define who we are as Australians," Cr Fraser said.
Almost 15 per cent of people in Lake Macquarie were born overseas, with England, New Zealand, Germany, Scotland and the Philippines the top five countries of birth. More than 10 per cent are first-generation Aussies whose parents were both born overseas.
"I want to welcome all our new citizens, whether they're new arrivals or have decided to become Australian after living here for many years," Cr Fraser said.
"We wish you well and look forward to you contributing to our community through your knowledge, skills, culture and traditions."
