Rodney Stevens
Locals who make a real and positive difference to life in the valley were honoured for their tireless community work at the 2024 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year awards.
The awards were hosted by Clarence Valley Council ambassador, Councillor Debrah Novak, who was supported by Mayor, Peter Johnstone and Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson for the award and citizenship ceremony on Thursday, January 25, at the Bowlo Sports and Leisure, Yamba.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Smith, Cr Karen Toms, Cr Allison Whaites, Cr Steve Pickering, Cr Greg Clancy and Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black were among the other council representatives present, and there was an apology from Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan.
Cr Johnstone spoke proudly about coming to Australia from the United Kingdom 12-years-ago and fondly remembered his citizenship ceremony when he became an Australian citizen at South Grafton seven-years-ago.
He reflected on an immense day of pride as he recalled the process of obtaining a visa, undergoing rigorous police checks, and sitting the knowledge test before he became a citizen.
“We are a country of promise, the things available to us as Australian’s is amazing,” he said.
“Throw yourself into all things it means to be Australian.”
Mr Williamson talked about the pride of what it means to be Australian and to live in the world’s best country.
He said all Australians should be proud of the rich heritage of the first Australian’s and the wonderful multicultural society Australia has become.
“Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we prosper together when we embrace this,” Mr Williamson said.
Seventeen new Australian citizens were then presented with certificates by Mayor Peter Johnstone at the citizenship ceremony.
The new Clarence Valley Australian citizens are Mr Cameron Bibby, Ms Wilma Carter, Mr Paula Crosse, Mrs Christine Cruse, Ms Pauline Journet, Mr Edward Kauss, Ms Chidochemwoyo Mutongerwa, Mr Sinto Thomas, Mrs Davina Warman, Mr Leroy Warman, Mr Asher Warman, Mr Eligh Warman, Mr Randall Winkels, Mrs Joenna York, Mr Tommy James, Mr David Ducanson, and Ms Thi Nguyen.
The Citizen of the Year ceremony followed and the 37 nominees in each of the four categories, Community Achievement, Local Hero, Young Citizen of the Year, and Citizen of the Year, were introduced to the audience before the winners were announced.
Award winners:
Community Achievement Award – Westpac Rescue Helicopter support group Grafton.
Local Hero – Sally Anne Rogers founder of Happy Paws Haven.
Young Citizen of the Year – Aidan Really (has raised $70,000 for petrol vouchers for local oncology patients.
Citizen of the Year – Aneika Kapeen – Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation founder and CEO.
The CV Independent will publish articles about 2024 Local Hero, Sally Anne Rogers, and the Community Achievement award recipient, Westpac Rescue Helicopter support group Grafton in next week’s edition on February 7.