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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