Lithgow’s Australia Day ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Park celebrated the achievements of locals making a significant difference in the community.
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Mayor Ray Thompson announced the recipients of this year’s NSW Citizenship Awards, many of whom are very familiar faces around town.
Passionate volunteers, outstanding services in the Lithgow region and community building events were all recognised in the special ceremony
Young Volunteer of the year
Elyse Hudson of Lithgow received the Young Volunteer of the Year award for tirelessly volunteering her time to the Lithgow Show Society, Lithgow City Band and Lithgow City Council.
“I can only mention few of the many achievements here, Elyse is the Show Society’s media officer and has also co-founded the Society’s youth committee,” Mayor Ray Thompson said.
As Lithgow Showgirl, she was involved in crowd fundraising, as member of the Lithgow City Band she has performed at many venues and as a Lithgow City Youth Council Member she is now working on a bullying initiative.
“I’d like to congratulate you on your community spirit and keep up the wonderful work,” Cr Thompson said.
Read more: Meet Lithgow's 2018 Showgirl Elyse Hudson
Open Volunteer of the year
The open Volunteer of the Year award was given to Sue Murdoch for her ongoing work with Nanna’s Touch, a support group for parents and carers of children with autism.
She is the organiser and fundraiser for the Lithgow Accessible Lifestyle expo, which is in its third successive year.
The expo showcases disability services and support availability in the local area.
Sue runs the disability sewing class at Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre, she has also established Ma’s Kitchen in partnership with the UnitingCare. It is an inclusive group which aims to teach healthy cooking skills.
“Thank you so much Sue for seeing these needs and taking on the responsibility to meet these needs,” Cr Thompson said.
Young Citizen of the Year
Emily Bennett was awarded Young Citizen Year but couldn’t attend the ceremony as she was in Panama for World Youth Day.
Miss Bennett was the only representative from the Lithgow LGA at the international event.
Emily is a dedicated and young leader in the local community, she gives insistingly through her volunteer work for the Red Cross, the Show Society and the Catholic Church.
She can be seen regularly participating in and volunteering for church events.
She is passionate about social justice and was school captain at La Salle. She received the school citizenship award in year 12.
She now works at La Salle as their youth minister, caring for the local youth.
“Thank you, Emily, for your contribution to the community and now the amazing contribution we see you will continue to make throughout your life,” Mr Thompson said.
Open Citizen Achievement Award
Aunty Helen Riley and Sharon Riley of the Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation were awarded the Open Citizen Achievement Award.
The pair give an enormous amount of time to the community, starting with co-forming the Wiradjuri Corporation in 2008.
Sharon Riley is the office of Environment and Aboriginal culture heritage officer and was responsible for installing 195 bollards around the significant Black Fella’s hand site to protect it for the future generations as well as the installation of steps.
Aunty Helen is a member of the Wiradjuri elders and is a co-organiser of NAIDOC and NAIDOC week in the Capertee Valley.
She is also an adviser on the community of Aboriginal Culture and Heritage to the Environmental Minister of NSW.
“Thank you for protecting Indigenous culture in the region,” Cr Thompson said.
Service to the Community Award
The award for an organisation that performs important services to the community was given to Lithgow Highland Pipe Band.
“We all know the Lithgow Highland Pipe Band, they turn up without fail to events throughout the Lithgow region,” Cr Thompson said.
“They support our community through everything they do.”
The group supports Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, the White Ribbon march, school fetes, Vietnam Veterans day, and have done so for decades.
They practise twice a week and give up their time for performances.
Outstanding Event of the Year Award
The Resilience Music Festival, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of mental health, was awarded the Outstanding Event of the Year award.
“We’ve lost local young people to suicide and we don’t ever want to lose anymore, Greg McManus and other organisers put together a music festival for 2018, have taken action to reduce the barriers and stigma around mental health and suicide prevention,” Cr Thompson said.
The majority of performers at the concert had personal experiences and were encouraged to share their stories and their journey’s to recovery.
The festival was a pathway for local services to connect with local residents.
“Greg and his team created a fantastic, fun event… We love that you changed the lives of so many,” Cr Thompson said.
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