Woodenbong Australia Day 2018, was celebrated at the Woodenbong Public Hall beginning with damper and Billy Tea, the flag raising ceremony where the Australian and Aboriginal flags were proudly flown. Then the large contingent adjourned to the Hall where the Official Proceedings began, Master of Ceremonies, Lindsay Passfield, Australia Day Prayer, Denise Seaton, The Youth Address was presented by the Woodenbong School Captain, Jonathan Hannant. Australia Day Guest Speaker was Heather Hill a well know and highly respected citizen of our community. The Australia Day Address presented by the Ambassador of the day, Carolyn Townsend, who is involved in Hospitality management, Commerce, Industrial Relations and is on the Board of Management at Ronald McDonald House Charities, currently as a Director.
Carolyn Townsend then presented the Australia Day Awards, “Citizen of the Year” for Woodenbong: Lynette Parker, Nominees for Citizen of the Year, Heather Hill and Richard Jenner. Young Citizen of the Year: winner was Katelyn Grimmett and Nominee for Young Citizen, Jonathan Hannant. Woodenbong Junior Sportsperson: winner Katelyn Grimmett. Woodenbong Community Organisation: winner Woodenbong Pre-School Management Committee. Woodenbong Business/Service: winner Woodenbong Grocer, owned and operated by Manoj and Priti Kumar.
“Citizen of the Year” for Woodenbong: Lynette Parker, (nee Martin), was born and bred in Woodenbong. Schooled here and began her community volunteering even as a child. During her adult life had an intensive career, raised 2 daughters and has 4 grandchildren. Returning to Woodenbong to retire, husband Jim and Lynnette became very active volunteers to the community. Her current positions include Secretary/Treasurer: Border Ranges Riding Club, Secretary/Treasurer: Woodenbong Reserve Trust (showground). Treasurer: Woodenbong Show Society. Initiated, coordinates and volunteer worker for the Woodenbong Community Coffee Group, made up of four local committees. Member: Woodenbong Progress Association. Assistant to Woodenbong Common Trust: compiling communication paperwork and applying for grants on their behalf. Lending a helping hand where needed and a valued member of the community. Lynnette believes it was Woodenbong, her parents and the local people that instilled into her the values she has today.
All followed by the now famous Woodenbong pork roast rolls and fancy treats provided by our hard working voluntary force of community and committee members.
Then a Cricket Coaching Clinic with Jarrad Seiffert and Jamie Peters U.K. for children thanks to Stan Gilchrist the Chairman of the The Lord’s Taveners Northern NSW and Lew Cooper who support Woodenbong and come in hand with a signed Cricket Bat from 2011 Australia vs Bangladesh Tour, which will be raffled with proceeds going to Woodenbong Rural Fire Service and Woodenbong Public Hall.
Followed by the “City vs Country” Cricket match as the afternoon’s highlight. To continue the celebrations late afternoon and into the evening for the near exhausted but exuberant locals many retired for refreshments and dinner at the Woodenbong Hotel after a hot day in the sun and awaited the draw for the signed Cricket Bat, that is desired by most locals.
Without people like these mentioned above, and all the unnamed volunteers and helpers in any capacity within communities, we would not enjoy the fulfilling lifestyles and benefits that we have all grown accustomed to, so, many thanks to these True Aussie award recipients and all the volunteers that ensure our beautiful existence is preserved.
Thanks to the Australia Day Committee for a truly wonderful day.
