Two Mathoura juniors are among those being celebrated as top Aussies in the Murray River region.
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Jobe Unwin has been named Young Citizen of the Year for 2024 while Lara O’Callaghan is Young Sports Person of the Year.
The council area’s top Australia Day award, Citizen of the Year, went to Moama’s Graeme Teasdale.
Other award recipients revealed in the pre-event announcement - which is now tradition for Murray River Council - are as follows:
• Sportsperson of the Year - Damien Cocks (Moama), particularly for his recent achievements in ten pin bowling, which saw him compete at the Special Olympics State Games.
• Community Group of the Year - Moulamein Rural Fire Service, for their efforts during the 2022 flood events.
• Community Event of the Year - Tooleybuc Piangil District Action Group for its efforts in hosting an overnight stop of the 2023 S@#t Box Rally in March 2023.
• Arts and Culture Award- Golden Rivers Theatre Group for its continued dedication of enriching lives through the magic of theatre and embracing members of all ages from the local community and beyond.
Jobe was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year for being an “amazing role model within the local area”.
“At just 12 years-old, Jobe is a wonderful example of a brilliant young citizen,” his citation read.
“He consistently shines within the classroom, school yard, sporting fields and the community of Mathoura.
“In the school yard, Jobe’s dedication to his role as school captain of Mathoura Public School has been outstanding. He has successfully fulfilled this important leadership position and is a role model to all students.
“He values every single student within the school and will always go out of his way to include the younger students in recess and lunch time activities.
“On the sporting field, Jobe always gives 110 per cent in everything he does. He has regularly represented the school in many different sports at district and regional carnivals. He is a team player and supports, encourages and values every player on his team.
In the community, Jobe co-led Mathoura’s Anzac Day Commemorative Service, where he spoke confidently in front of a large crowd attending the service.
“Community members relayed to the school how impressed they were with Jobe’s public speaking skills and that he delivered a genuine sense of reverence and respect for this important ceremony.
“Jobe participated in a local debating competition against other schools and guided his team to a successful victory as equal winners of the Deniliquin district. He also took on a lead role in the school’s recent production ‘Are We There Yet?’.”
As Citizen of the Year, Mr Teasdale has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the local area - “most notably through his service to the Moama Fire Brigade over the last 50 years”.
Mr Teasdale joined the brigade in 1973 and became captain in early 1990.
“Over the past five decades, Graeme has exemplified the true spirit of selflessness,” his citation read.
“His tireless efforts, sacrifices, and countless acts of service have left an indelible mark on the fire and rescue services, both locally and across the state.
“He has a determination to go above and beyond in all areas of the job - community asset fire protection; accident responses and rescue; fire prevention and preparedness, education; inclusion and diversity; and community service.
“Graeme has consistently demonstrated unmatched dedication, resilience, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others.
“His leadership has inspired generations of firefighters, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a commitment to service that will endure for years to come.”
Lara has been recognised for her outstanding individual achievements in netball, playing in two different leagues.
“Early in the 2023 season Lara was selected in the Echuca and District Netball Association’s under-13s representative side,” her citation read.
“After a few training sessions, it was evident that Lara not only had great netball abilities but was also a great leader amongst her teammates.
“Lara travelled many kilometres most Sundays to participate in games across New South Wales and Victoria.
“Her team went through the whole tournament undefeated, and she was awarded the ‘Best on Court Medal’ in the grand final for her outstanding netball abilities.
“While Lara was representing her district, she was also playing for her home club in Mathoura.
“She would take the court every Saturday in the under-13s s team, and some weeks up in the under-15s.
“Here (in Mathoura) she was also chosen by her coach and peers to lead the team as captain because of her sporting ability, leadership, professionalism and great sportsmanship. Her team even made the finals for the first time in a while!
“Lara was awarded the club’s best and fairest medal and went on to win the League’s top honour too, winning this by a total of nine votes to her nearest rival.“
Lara’s Australia Day award also recognises her sportsmanship off the field.
Murray River Council Mayor Frank Crawley congratulated all the award recipients and nominees.
“On behalf of council, I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate this year’s award winners who are a shining example of how we can all have a positive and lasting impact in our community,” Cr Crawley said.
“From community volunteering, community events, sporting achievement, and artistic offerings, this year’s awards reflect the vast and varied contributions from across our area.
“It is their efforts that add to the story of Murray River Council and make it such a great place to live,”
The award recipients will be presented with their award at local Australia Day breakfasts on January 26.
Details of Murray River Council’s Australia Day activities can be found at www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au.