Cessnock's community spirit shone this Australia Day, with a huge turnout for the barbecue breakfast at East End Oval, and the recognition of several local residents at the city's awards ceremony.
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Volunteering was a recurring theme, with many of the recipients awarded for their dedication to community organisations and causes.
Citizen of the Year, David Clark, is a member of the Rotary Club of Cessnock, president of the Kurri Retired Mineworkers Association branch, a member of the Gospel Hall Church and part of the Cessnock Christian Christmas Dinner team.
Mr Clark was surprised to win the award, saying “they’ve made a mistake”.
He paid tribute to the city’s volunteers, saying Australia Day was a great example of the immense contribution volunteers give in the Cessnock local government area.
Former Cessnock Mayor Alison Davey was named Senior Citizen of the Year, for her decades of commitment to education, local government and community organisations, including Tidy Towns and BPW.
The Young Citizen of the Year award went to 18-year-old university student Hayden Gray, a member of Cessnock City Council’s youth council committee, who has also been involved with the NSW Youth Parliament and NSW Youth United Nations.
Another highlight of the day was the induction of seven new citizens, who took the Australian citizenship pledge, led by Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent.
Cessnock’s Australia Day ambassador, philanthropist and entrepreneur Jon Dee said Australia Day was a good time to reflect on what it means to be Australian.
The co-founder of Planet Ark and advocacy organisation DoSomething, Mr Dee saluted those who volunteer, and encouraged everyone to think about how they can give back to their communities.
“There’s no better day to recommit to the values of what it means to be Australian, and we can do to give back,” he said.
“The fact that we are Australians is a privilege.”
See a full list of award winners below the video
CESSNOCK’S 2016 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year – David Clark (for outstanding contributions to the community)
Senior Citizen of the Year – Alison Davey (for outstanding contributions to the community)
Young Citizen of the Year – Hayden Gray (for outstanding leadership in youth issues)
Community Event of the Year – Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix
Environment Award – Valerie Milgate (for her dedication to improving the local environment, particularly in the Wollombi area)
Heritage Award – The RSL Sub-Branches of Abermain, Branxton, Cessnock, Greta, Kurri Kurri and Weston (for the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations)
Appreciation Award – Gregory Lewis (contribution to Coalfields Neighbour Care, Meals on Wheels, the local school and Landcare and Cessnock Community Transport)
Appreciation Award – Matt Dillow (contribution and fundraising for the Cessnock Christian Christmas Lunch)
Achievement Award – The Smith Family (for the achievements of Smith’s Transport company, Abermain)
Marthaville Arts and Cultural Award – Melanie Rees (contribution to music)
2CHR-FM window dressing prize – ADRA Op Shop (first place), Bombora Surf Shop (second place)
