Murchison Young Citizen of the Year recognised as region’s finest

By Tyler Maher

Jan 26, 2023

Murchison and Greater Shepparton Young Citizen of the Year: Denni Bathman.

Locals gathered at the Murchison Swimming Pool for the town’s Australia Day Ceremony on Thursday.

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Among the Murchison residents being recognised for their outstanding efforts in the community was 16-year-old Denni Bathman.

Not only was Ms Bathman named Murchison Young Citizen of the Year, but she also took out the Greater Shepparton Young Citizen of the Year award.

From an early age, Ms Bathman has demonstrated a real love for the local community.

This includes helping mark the Murchison Meteorite anniversary celebrations, assisting residents at DP Jones Nursing Home and spending time at the heritage centre, capably fulfilling a variety of tasks.

She is a wonderful ambassador for Murchison, has gained work experience with a local politician in Parliament House in Melbourne, is a keen member of the Murchison and District Historical Society and is also a member of the Greater Shepparton Young Champion Youth Committee.

Eyes on the sky: Denni Bathman rings the Murchison Primary School bell in 2021 to mark the precise moment 52 years ago the world famous meteorite fell. Photo by Rosa Ritchie

Gordon Newton was crowned the Murchison Citizen of the Year, having been a huge asset to the local community for five decades.

In between being a successful farmer alongside his wife on properties that included sheep, cattle and cropping, Mr Newton has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort to volunteer roles.

He was involved in the formation of the Murchison Nursing Home, Wybalena Retirement Village and the Community Centre and has held many positions in the Murchison Fire Brigade. He is a member of the Murchison Lions Club, having been treasurer for the past 15 years, and has also been an active member of the Murchison Cemetery Trust and the Uniting Church. He also served on the committee for the recent — and successful — Boxing Night Carnival.

Murchison Citizen of the Year: Gordon Newton. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

After the recent floods, Mr Newton was instrumental in distributing Lions Club funds to residents whose homes were affected.

Aaron Niglia was announced as the recipient of the Australia Day Sports Award following a stellar season on the soccer pitch.

Murchison Australia Day Sports Award: Aaron Niglia. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mr Niglia took out the Central Victorian League Youth competition best and fairest while playing for Tatura in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.

He also received the Golden Boot for his 34 goals across 13 matches, and is always willing to lend a hand to assist his coach at training.

‘Lizzie’s Legacy’ was recognised as the Murchison Community Event of the Year.

Liz Ewart was a long-term member of the Murchison and District Historical Society who has now, sadly, passed away.

Her variety of artistic creations — covering pottery, painting, clothing and decorative ornaments — were displayed as part of the Lizzie’s Legacy event.

Originally slated to run for two weeks, popular demand saw the exhibition extend from May 7 to June 13, with over 500 visitors taking in the ‘moving’ and ‘joyful’ works.

The historical society’s junior member, Ms Bathman, created a slide show of Lizzie's artwork that displayed pictures of items that were too large to move or too delicate to transport and include in the exhibition.

This was played in the meeting room where refreshments were served.

The event served as a moving tribute to Lizzie and a lasting memory for the Murchison Historical Society.