Cessnock’s major Australia Day honour, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Les Beveridge for his outstanding voluntary services for the community over many years, in particular his contribution to Endeavour Industries.
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Mr. Beveridge was completely overwhelmed with his win, and had a tear in his eye as he was presented with the award.
“It was absolutely wonderful… a complete thrill,” he said.
“I knew that I was up for an award but I never thought it would be the top one.
“I have been a member of so many organisations and received life memberships before, but to get recognised in something of this magnitude is just a real thrill.”
Cessnock’s Australia Day celebrations started early on Saturday with a free breakfast at East End Oval.
Many locals and their families enjoyed the entertainment and events, including a thong throwing competition, face painting and a display of animals from the Hunter Valley Zoo.
A large crowd also attended Cessnock’s official Australia Day Celebrations at East Cessnock Bowling Club.
Master of ceremonies Phil Collins led the full program along with Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Bob Pynsent, who presented this year’s Australia Day Awards.
Australia Day Ambassador, endurance swimmer James Pittar, also gave an inspiring and emotional Australia Day address on what being Australian means to him and his family.
“For me, Australia Day is all about family, friends and freedom,” he said.
“And the acceptance of others from lands who come to live here in Australia and call Australia home.
“I want to say thank you to my country for allowing me the freedom to swim and follow my dreams and I welcome all our new citizens and congratulate them for becoming part of what is definitely the best country in the world.”
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This year Cessnock welcomed 12 new citizens from seven different countries, who all took part in naturalisation ceremony led by Cr. Pynsent.
Cessnock’s first born baby of 2013 was also recognised. Harrison Johns was born at Newcastle Private Hospital on January 1 at 4.06pm.
The highlight of the event then came with the presentation of the Australia Day awards with congratulations going to the many deserving winners who have given their time freely for the benefit of the Cessnock local government area and continue to inspire the local community with their commitment and dedication to the city.
Miss Cessnock City, Taylah-Jane Turner, also assisted in the presentation of the awards.
Young Citizen of the Year went to Matthew Rees for outstanding voluntary services for sport and the youth. Matthew, a Kurri High School student, has excelled in the sport of javelin at national level.
The sport award went to Mulbring’s Caleb Clifton, who has won numerous junior motorcycling titles in both motocross and dirt track events.
Mellissa Gibson received the Community Event of the Year award for the coordination of successful community events for Salvation Army, cystic fibrosis and breast cancer research.
Appreciation awards went to David Clark, Ray Foster and Marianne Lawrence for their outstanding voluntary service to the community of the city of Cessnock.
International award-winning winemaker Neil McGuigan received an achievement award for outstanding contribution and promotion of the Hunter Valley region and Australian wine.
Winners of the window dressing prize were the Salvation Army Family Store Cessnock (first) and St. Vincent De Paul Store, Cessnock (second).
The Marthaville Arts and Cultural Award was presented to Myra Hill and Ron Jackson.
Helen McClelland, Pam Bothwell, Gillian James, Sheila Turnbull, Robyn Gill and Beth Masterman OAM were inducted to the NSW Government Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Cr. Pynsent also congratulated former Advertiser managing editor, Bruce Wilson, who was recognised with an Order of Australia medal in the Australia Day honours list.
Musical entertainment for the day was provided by Tara Naysmith, Michael King and former Miss Cessnock City Hayley Doherty who performed the national anthem.
The ceremony was closed with a joint performance of ‘I Am Australian’, with members of the crowd also joining in on the patriotic waving of the Australian flag.
View more photos from the ceremony at our gallery: http://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/story/1267564/gallery-cessnocks-australia-day-ceremony/?cs=461