With the noted entertainer Judy Stone as the Australia Day Ambassador, and the presence of a brass band for the anthem, this year's celebration was an upbeat affair, with Ken Thomas awarded Citizen of the Year.
Master of Ceremonies Cr Paul Cockram introduced the Mayor Cr Ian Marjason who welcomed everybody to the Palerang Council's celebration of Australia Day and thanked members of the Palerang Cultural Development Committee, Council staff and others who had worked hard to put the celebration on as well as members of the local concert band
Judy Stone is one of Australia's consistently popular female entertainers. She began singing in 1961 and after travelling throughout Australia with "The Reg Lindsay Show", Judy began touring with Col Joye and soon became a regular member of the TV show "Bandstand".
Judy Stone then performed as few well known songs while playing her ukulele, and during her keynote address revealed that she had some Braidwood connections, with her father and grandfather being born here, and her great grandfather being buried here. Members of Judy's family accompanied her to Braidwood from the north coast for the Australia Day event.
Woolworths is a major sponsor of Australia Day and the Woolworths Batemans Bay manager, Brian Marsden also spoke and presented Ms Stone with a pin.
Gilly Burke of the Palerang Cultural Committee then announce the winner of Community Event of the Year as the Music at the Creek Festival. Now in its 17th year, the festival brings people together not only from this community but from outside our region, attracting families, youth and mature audiences. This festival has something for everyone. Not only does it allow access to a wonderful variety of poetry, music and dance, it also fosters new friendships and renewed celebrations. This years' Festival was attended by more campers than in previous years so there was much singing around campsites. The friendly atmosphere contributed to many people rating the Festival as their favourite. It provides a much needed boost to our local economy, not just through visitors to the area, but through a direct injection of festival profits back into the local community. Erika Mordek and Alison White accepted the Award behalf of the organisers and volunteers who have contributed to its success.
Bob Templeton from the Cultural committee then announced the Young Citizen of the Year as Adam Corcoran. During 2008 Adam initiated and ran a fitness group for young people in the Araluen Valley. This involved approaching the Araluen Progress Association for sponsorship (including insurance) and access to the community hall and recreation ground. He successfully applied for a Woolworth's Fresh Food Health Kids Grant that enabled him to purchase equipment for the group to use. All of this has been done whilst he studied for his Higher School Certificate. The fitness group is the only group activity available for young people in the Valley, and operates twice a week all year. Activities include aerobic/cardio work, coordination skills, weight training, fun activities and free choice sessions to cater for the needs of 6 - 17 year olds. Our winner has shown high levels of planning and people management skills and has organised some sessions to be in the form of community contributions, such as Clean Up Australia style events, where members have given back to their local community.
Cr Ian Marjason then announced the winner of Citizen of the Year in Braidwood as Ken Thomas. Ken has made an extraordinary contribution to the local community. He has been Chair of the Hospital Auxillary, Secretary and Treasurer of Lions Braidwood, running their meetings, manning their stall at the Park and delivering books to patients in the Braidwood Hospital and Narbethong House. He has been involved in the Rural Fire Service and its Cadet Scheme; he has been Vice-President of the Braidwood Show Society, opening the Showground for tourists on weekends and after hours. He has also been a member of Council's s.355 Committee for the Showground Reserve Trust. This man is well-known in NSW Harness Racing and gives his time to the community in so many ways modestly and quietly.
Celebrations in Captains Flat and Bungendore had preceded Braidwood's event, where the Captains Flat awards went to the Captains Flat Community Markets, and Citizen of the year to Fay McCurdy.
In Bungendore the event award went to the opening of the Bungendore Skate Park and the Citizen of the year to Paul Darmody.
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