Australia Day in Coolamon Shire

Coolamon Shire Council celebrated Australia Day with pride, kicking off with a free community BBQ breakfast, followed by the official awards ceremony where local citizens were recognised for their valued contributions to the community.

This year the Coolamon Shire Council were proud to welcome 2019 Australia Day Ambassador Kath Koschel. Kath, a former NSW cricketer, is the founder of the Kindness Factory. After overcoming significant hurdles, Kath is now known worldwide for her Kindness adventures, and shares her journey of how she turned adversity into triumph through motivational speaking.

 Coolamon Shire were also pleased to welcome local Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP to Ganmain for the celebrations.

Congratulations to the following Coolamon Shire locals who were nominated for an Australia Day Award, including:

  • Citizen of the Year – Angela McCann, Daniel Fox, Janice Menzies, Chris Berry, Del Garrett, Jenny Kuemmel, Cathy Fox, Bronwyn Hatty, Val Brill, Dianne Holden Karen Wood and Loraine Chant

  • Young Citizen of the Year – Madison Marshall, Maddison Saye and Samantha Costello

  • The Shane Till Memorial Award for Sporting Achievement – Paul Lucas and Karen Buchegger

  • Young Sportsperson of the Year Award- Kaitlin Logan, The St Brendans P55 Swimming Team, Heath Walker and Tom Sase

  • Community Group/Event of the Year Award – The Ardlethan Country Music Festival, The Coolamon RSL Sub Branch, The Coolamon Historical Fire Engine Muster, The MND Icebath Challenge and the Marrar Football and Netball Club Centenary

And congratulations to the recipients of the Coolamon Shire Council Australia Day Awards;

Citizen of the Year – Val Brill
Val is a selfless and humble volunteer who continually offers her time to many organisations in the Coolamon Shire community. She is an active member of the Ganmain Show Society, the Ganmain Craft Cottage, the Ganmain Historical Society, the Uniting Church Ganmain and the Advance Ganmain Committee.  Val is a true example of a community member who tirelessly gives back and should be congratulated for many years of continual service to the Coolamon Shire.

Young Citizen of the Year – Madison Marshall
Madison should be congratulated on her commitment to supporting the local community and in donating her time in supporting the aged members of our society and representing both the Coolamon Central school and the wider Coolamon Shire community in civic, cultural, educational and sporting settings.

The Shane Till Memorial Award for Sporting Achievement – Paul Lucas
Paul is a great contributor both on and off the field, playing many first grade games and this year playing and impressive 150 Reserve Grade games for the Lions. He is a multiple Reserve Grade Club Best and Fairest Winner, again taking out the honour in 2018 as well as runner up in the Riverina Football League Best and Fairest vote count.

Young Sportsperson of the Year Award -  Kaitlin Logan
Kaitlin is a dedicated sportsperson who always displays a positive attitude to all aspects of her sport. She has had tremendous success in seven sports, cricket, swimming, AFL, netball, cross country, athletics and tennis. She displays fair and honest rivalry and courteous relations with her opponents and referees. Kaitlin is someone who younger people look up to, and should be congratulated for her success.

The Community Group/Event of the Year Award – The Coolamon Historical Fire Engine Muster
In its third year, the Coolamon Historical Fire Engine Muster has become a milestone event for the Coolamon Shire. Held in Cowabbie street, the event attracts thousands of visitors to town, showing off all of what Coolamon has to offer. The event was the result of the dedication, passion and hard work shown by Coolamon Fire Museum volunteers Chris and Joanne Berry, as well as the community spirit of the Coolamon Lion’s Club and many other community volunteers who supported the event.

Above: L-R Kath Koschel, Australia Day Ambassador, Mayor John Seymour OAM, 2019 Coolamon Shire Citizen of the Year Val Brill, Steph Cooke MP

Above: L-R
Kath Koschel, Australia Day Ambassador, Mayor John Seymour OAM, 2019 Coolamon Shire Citizen of the Year Val Brill, Steph Cooke MP

Above: The Coolamon Shire Council 2019 Australia Day Award Winners, Pictured with Kath Koschel, Mayor John Seymour OAM and Steph Cook MP L-R – Chris Berry, Madison Marshall, Kath Koschel, John Seymour, Val Brill, Steph Cooke MP, Paul Lucas and Kail…

Above: The Coolamon Shire Council 2019 Australia Day Award Winners, Pictured with Kath Koschel, Mayor John Seymour OAM and Steph Cook MP
L-R – Chris Berry, Madison Marshall, Kath Koschel, John Seymour, Val Brill, Steph Cooke MP, Paul Lucas and Kailin Logan

Above: Coolamon Shire Council Australia Day Award Nominees, pictured with Kath Koschel, John Seymour OAM and Steph Cooke MP

Above: Coolamon Shire Council Australia Day Award Nominees, pictured with Kath Koschel, John Seymour OAM and Steph Cooke MP

Laura Munro