Australia Day

Well, the weather might have been overcast, but there was sunshine in the hearts of participants at the Yass Valley Australia Day celebration, held at Coronation Park, Yass.

Participants enjoyed the complimentary BBQ and market atmosphere at Coronation Park, with music provided by the talented Steve Carter. Many also took the opportunity to meet our 2022 Australia Day Ambassador, Bob Turner, along with members of the new Yass Valley Council.

2022 Australia Day award winners were as follows:

• Citizen of the Year - Barry O’Mara. Barry was recognised for his tireless dedication to the Yass Valley community. Barry has helped raise thousands of dollars for local people facing serious medical conditions. He was an active member of Yass Valley Can Assist for many years, which helps locals access vital cancer treatment, before playing an instrumental role in establishing the Yass Valley SPIN (Supporting People in Need) Foundation. Barry’s vision was to help people facing a wide range of medical conditions. Outside of his charity work, Barry has been heavily involved with local sporting and social groups and the Rural Fire Service. Most recently, Barry helped organise a special Christmas light display at Yass Showground to cheer up the community after a long year with COVID-19.
• Senior Citizen of the Year - Gwen Warmington OAM. Since moving to Yass in 1952, Gwen’s contributions have spanned local government, active community service, fundraising and social activities. Her most significant contributions have included establishing an aged care service under Gwen Warmington Lodge and assisting young people via the Andalini Special Education Unit. Gwen has also been involved with the Yass Municipal Council, Southern Tablelands County Council, South Eastern Regional Council, Yass Memorial Swimming Pool, Yass Repertory, Yass Ball, Yass Community Aid, Yass Woollenwealth Festival, Yass Home Help Service, Can Assist, Yass Music Club, Yass Pre-School, Yass Public School and Yass Quota Club. At the age of 88, Gwen remains President of Yass Probus Club.
• Young Citizen of the Year - William ’Billy’ Beck. Billy was recognised for his dedication to mentoring young people in rugby, touch football and basketball in Yass Valley. While completing his Certificate III in Arboriculture and his Arborist Diploma, as well as playing rugby league and touch football, Billy remained committed to assisting local junior sporting teams. Billy has volunteered his time to coach, train and coordinate junior players in the Yass Minor Rugby League, Yass Touch Football and Yass Basketball on weeknights and weekends, during summer and winter. To do this, Billy also completed the NRL Junior Coach and League Safe courses. Billy is an excellent role model to all and demonstrates the importance of giving back.
• Community Group of the Year – Remount. The not-for-profit, Remount, was recognised for its unwavering commitment to helping veterans experiencing stress or anxiety related to their service. Founders Marina and Ben Maguire ran the charity out of pocket, from their cattle farm in Bowning, for the first two years. Still to this day, they donate their time, farm and horses so no one pays to come to Remount and no one is paid to deliver Remount. Since 2016, Remount has helped more than 300 veterans, first responders and their families through equine therapy. Volunteers give their time alongside their full-time employment and run the programs mostly on weekends. This is a truly special group of people who give so much to Yass Valley and our veterans.
• Individual Community Service awards - Tom and Jack O’Dea. This father and son team were both recognised with an Individual Community Service Award for their special efforts to look after the Yass environment. The team have spent many hours clearing rubbish around the town and maintaining Hatton’s Corner Nature Reserve. Their community spirit and civic-minded approach haven’t gone unnoticed by the Yass community, especially Jack, who is only six years’ old.

• Topics:

• Australia Day
• Living and Lifestyle