The presentation of our 2021 Australia Day Awards was held on Australia Day at the Sorell Memorial Hall.
These annual Awards are the highest honour Council can bestow on an individual or group for outstanding contribution to their local community.
Mayor Kerry Vincent also performed a Citizenship Ceremony, whereby eight new citizens were welcomed into our community.
Sorell hosted Diana Butler OAM as the 2021 Australia Day Ambassador. Diana formed the Care for Africa Foundation, a not for profit organisation which addresses issues around poverty, gender inequality, lack of clean water, health and educational services in northern Tanzania’s Tarime district. More than a decade on, Care for Africa now delivers programs in water, health, education and social enterprise to more than 30,000 people in six outlying rural communities living in extreme poverty.
The 2021 Awards program saw Council receive nineteen quality individual and group nominations across three Award categories.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Di Cusick
Gwen Egg
James Giffard
Lisa Howells
Caroline Hyland
Michelle Pears
Scott Rawsom
Danny Reid
Sarah Turder
Terry White
Linly Wiggins
Citizen of the Year recipient – Michelle Pears
Michelle Pears has been an active member and supporter of the arts and community for many years. She initiated and supported many local groups including Sing Australia group, Pittwater Photography group and 3 Peaks Gallery. Michelle is an integral member of South East Arts and is also a founding member of Sorell on Stage.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Melaleuca Sansom Gartrell
Olivia and Madeline Lowe
Daniel Smith
Young Citizen of the Year recipients – Olivia and Madeline Lowe
Oliva and Madeline Lowe are sisters that have made a fantastic contribution to the Midway Point community. The girls made and donated 71 handmade wheat pack with different fabric patterns and scents to the Midway Point Neighbourhood House with the aim of keeping everyone warm in the community. They have also fundraised to buy gifts, filling 100 shoeboxes with special items for children and families in the community.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Dodges Ferry Primary School Association
Midway Point Neighbourhood House
Okines Community House
Sorell Cricket Club
Community Group of the Year recipient – Okines Community House
The Okines Community House situated in the heart of Dodges Ferry provides great support and services to the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff and volunteers responded quickly to the COVID situation, putting in place a number of safe measures to ensure the community continued to engage in programs and activities including services that provided counselling to the community.
Congratulations to the recipients, and also to all the nominees. Your significant and ongoing contributions add immeasurably to the strength and vibrancy of our community.
Thank you to all for your efforts.
Council would like to acknowledge funding support from the National Australia Day Council to purchase new Australia Day street banners.
