Monday, February 11, 2019

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2019



Australians, both ‘old’ and now new from the Somerset Region, all did rejoice at this year’s Awards Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony held at the Somerset Civic Centre on January 26th.  Following introductions by Emcee, the effervescent Brady  Schultz, the boy from Lowood who has become a testament to his “Healthy Lifestyles Australia” programmes, and a welcome address by the Federal Member for Blair, Hon Shayne Neumann,  Mayor Graeme Lehmann delivered his own welcoming words before bringing to the podium Mrs Faye Carr, Ipswich Citizen of the Year, NADOK Elder of the year and Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador.  The very courageous Fay rose above her ‘nervous knees’ to captivate her audience as she spoke of respect, diversity and the need to embrace cultural differences whilst giving a compelling insight into her life growing up as a Part Aboriginal woman.
The presentation of the Australia Day Awards followed as, in turn, category nominees were called to the stage.  Unenviable would have been the task of choosing winners amongst so many deserving individuals and organizations.  Eventually came the call for stewards in the category of ‘Community Group of the Year’. Represented by Alexis on stage there was a ‘pep squad’ of Choir Members in the audience who were on the edge of their seats waiting for Alexis to step forward to collect the prize for the Esk Community Choir.  However, for their dedication to the assistance of Community members, this year the Lions Club of Esk were the deserved winners, our choir being the recipients of much of that generosity.
It is with gratitude to our own Greg Skippen who felt motivated to submit a compelling nomination for this Award following the success of our brilliant 40th anniversary year. We feel we have been more distinguished by the honour of your nomination than we could have been by yet another framed certificate in the cabinet.  Thank you, Greg.
By: Sue Walker
   

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