Then the large contingent adjourned to the Hall where the Official Proceedings began, Master of Ceremonies, Lindsay Passfield, Australia Day Prayer, Glenda Compton, The Youth Address was presented by the Woodenbong School Captains, Erin Giblin-Lloyd, Tim Arthurson and the spokespersons Jessica Smith, Billie Black-O’Neill, Australia Day Guest Speaker was Margaret Marshall a former resident of our community.

The Australia Day Address presented by the Ambassador of the day, Khushaal Vyas, who is President of the UNSW Law Society and from a young age has promoted youth, lifestyles and volunteering.

His belief in “What It Means To Be An Australian” is standing up for what is right, to stand together, all walks of life who live here reflect on today’s significance, where we come from and where we are going. Value of mateship, friendship, and embrace diversity.

Khushaal Vyas then presented the Australia Day Awards, “Citizen of the Year” for Woodenbong: Margaret Martin, “Woodenbong Community Organisation”: Woodenbong Craft Group, “Woodenbong Business/Service”: Woodenbong Hotel, Tony Neylon Licensee.

“Citizen of the Year” for Woodenbong: Margaret Martin, born and bred in Woodenbong. Schooled here and has been an active community volunteer for most of her life. During her adult life was a nurse, raised 2 children and has 3 grandchildren. She was the first female member of the Urbenville SES and serving for 13 years.

Of late she was the President of the Woodenbong Show Committee 2004-2018. She is President Urbenville Branch CWA, President/Secretary of the Anglican Women’s Guild, Member Parish Council Kyogle, Woodenbong Progress Association Member, Treasurer and Board Member Urbenville Bowling Club, Member Kyogle Bowls Club Social Committee and attaining many certificates to fulfil her roles.

All followed by the now famous Woodenbong roast meat rolls and fancy treats provided by our hard working voluntary force of community and committee members.

Then a Cricket Coaching Clinic with Jarrad Seiffert for the children thanks to Stan Gilchrist the Chairman of the The Lord’s Taveners Northern NSW. 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 entertained by Zed28 Rockabilly Band.

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 Woodenbong Australia Day Committee for a truly wonderful day.