scone.com.au2017 Australia Day Awards in Aberdeen
THE award recipients took centre stage at the Aberdeen ceremony today, but Mayor Wayne Bedggood began by reminding all who had gathered, of the worthiness of all nominees.
See gallery below.
“Someone thinks highly enough of you and what you’ve done to nominate you,” said Mayor Bedggood.
The ceremony began with recognition of the nominees including: Aberdeen Junior Cricket, Rowan Bateman, Max and Denise Bell, Janine Katon, Sheree Gray, Aberdeen Local Studies Group, Aberdeen Men’s Shed, Fiona Tickle, Edan Tickle, Upper Hunter Museum of Rural Life and the late Barrie Lawn.
To the enthusiasm of her friends and family Angela Smith, from St Joseph’s High School received the award for Creative Arts Excellence from the Hon., Michael Johnsen.
The Aberdeen and District Achiever Award was given to Sheree Gray who said, “I’d like to thank the people in the Aberdeen community, because the activities I do would not be possible without them and my passion is herein Aberdeen and the with the young people and it is a privilege to to do that,” she said.
“My family is proud to be part of the Aberdeen community and it is a very special part of my career to accept this award,” Sheree Gray said.
The Young Achiever Award was given to Rowan Bateman, who was clearly a loved son to the Aberdeen community.
“Thank you to my mum and dad; Thank you to (sic) and Bob for nominating me,” said Mr Bateman.
“I am very proud of this,” Rowan Bateman said.
The Community Group award went to the Aberdeen Men’s Shed and was accepted by new-comer Phil Russell who acknowledged the founding members.
“Thank you to the members of the Shed and in 2013 there were five founding members who got it going,” said Mr Russell.
“We enjoy looking after the community and building stuff for the community,” he said.
“We’d like to thank the Aberdeen community and the members for a great effort this year,” Phil Russell said.
Sue Lawn accepted the Special Award on behalf of her late husband Barrie Lawn, while she didn’t didn’t speak at the awards, her husband was well known and his service to the Aberdeen community through the years has spoken volumes of his character and contribution.
The Young Citizen of the Year, which is sponsored by the Bates family, was given to Edan Tickle.
Beryl Bates noted it was three years since they have given the award in Aberdeen and encouraged people to recognise the good work being done by local youth.
Edan Tickle thanked the Bates family and Aberdeen Sports and Recreation for nominating him for the award.
Lastly the award for Aberdeen and District Citizen of the Year was given to Max and Denise Bell.
In the acceptance speech Max said, “when we came to town in the 80’s we helped with the Little Athletics and we’ve done lots of things since then, but when the grand kids came along we found ourselves back at the Club.”
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