Planning for the next Australia Day celebration (Sunday 26 January 2020) is well underway. The venue, as in past years, will be Russ Martin Park on the south eastern side of the Moruya River near the bridge.
Proceedings will commence at 8.30am with the Moruya Lions and Rotary Clubs Australian breakfast barbecue at a cost of five dollars.
There will be activities for children and a number of events selected for their Australian theme:
1. Horse Shoe Throwing Competition
2. Best Australia Day outfit, to be judged when walking through the celebrants.
In addition, there will be a display by the Moruya Historical Society, plans for a display from the Eurobodalla Vintage & Veteran Car Club, and face painting for the young and young at heart.
The ceremony to announce the appointment of the Lions & Rotary Club’s Moruya and District Citizen of the Year will commence at 10.30 am. This will include a display and raising of the Australian flag by the local Army Cadet Unit & Moruya Girl Guides. There will be a Key Note Address prior to announcing the two Australia Day Citizens for 2020.
The Lions/Rotary Citizen of the Year Award recognises the great contribution made to our community by a large number of people who selflessly give of their own time to make our District a better place. For 2020, the Committee would again like to recognise a junior Citizen, up to 18 years of age who has also contributed to the Community.
Past winners have been Kathy Shields in 2012 for her volunteering at 2EAR, Bruce Reid in 2016 for the Moruya Show Society and numerous other activities around Moruya, and in 2017 Kathleen Smith and Christine Smith for their unstinting contribution to the Moruya Hospital Auxiliary.
In 2018 the recipients were “Mr & Mrs Moruya”, Ron & Heather Chesher for their lifelong dedication to many aspects of the Moruya Community.
Our inaugural Junior Citizen was Annabelle Smith from Broulee. Annabelle was recognised for her hard work at Broulee Surfers Surf Living Saving Club, and for her support of teenagers with mental health issues in the Moruya Community, and representing Moruya High School in The Go Make a Difference Challenge.
Last years’ Junior Citizen was Jaylah Hancock-Cameron, a Junior Olympic silver medallist and Australian 1500m Champion.
Above: Jaylah Hancock-Cameron
Unfortunately, only one Award can be given for each category (Open & Junior), but the individuals appointed represent all those who have materially contributed to our vibrant community by their participation in, for example: the sporting, cultural, educational, environmental or service sectors.
Nominations for Citizen of the Year can be made by anyone but the nominee must be a resident of Post Code Districts 2537 or 2545.
Further information can be obtained from the Chairman of the Australia Day Committee Derek Anderson 0427580533 (dereka48@bigpond.com).
