Coolamon Shire Council celebrated Australia Day with pride, kicking off with a free community BBQ breakfast hosted by the Coolamon Lions and Rotary Clubs, 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 2020 Australia Day Ambassador Bryce Collins. Bryce is a champion hurdler, who uses his significant achievements in his chosen sport to inspire other young people to do their best.

Coolamon Shire were also pleased to welcome Federal Member for the Riverina, Michael McCormack MP to Coolamon for the celebrations.

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

Citizen of the Year – Phillip Furnell, Kristie Smith, Megan Hardman, Shirley Tyrell, Tin Quach, Del Garrett
Young Citizen of the Year – Madison Marshall and Tanisha Bischof
The Shane Till Memorial Award for Sporting Achievement – Serinah Maddox, Len Brill, Ray Golden and Jason Taylor
Young Sportsperson of the Year Award- Hannah Walker, Sam Neale, Jack Christopher, Brian Hare, Jakob Taylor and Loclan Nau
Community Group/Event of the Year Award – Moonies March, The Matong Public School Centenary Celebrations and the Advance Ardlethan Community Lunch Group

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

Citizen of the Year – Phillip Furnell
Phillip receives this award in recognition of 40 plus years of service to all communities in the Coolamon Shire as a member of the Coolamon NSW Fire & Rescue Brigade and as a charter member of the Coolamon Lions Club. Phillip 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 – Len Brill
Len Brill is a dedicated and enthusiastic sportsperson, and is a vital member of his community. Len is testament to what an active role sport can play in living a rewarding, contributing and socially connected life. Len is a humble, devoted and contributing community member as well as a successful sportsperson and administrator.

Young Sportsperson of the Year Award - Sam Neale
Sam is a dedicated sportsperson who always displays a positive attitude to all aspects of his sport. he has had tremendous success in Basketball, Touch football, Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country, and is a consistent leader in the team and individual events.

The Community Group/Event of the Year Award – Joint Winners

The Matong Public School Centenary Celebrations
The Matong Public School Centenary celebrations were hosted in 2019 as an opportunity for the Matong community to celebrate the history and heritage of the school. The event included a bush dance, school open day, time capsule, community BBQ and cake cutting. Congratulations to the organising committee and the Matong Public School on this great community event.

Moonies March
Moonie’s March was held in honour of Garry Moonie Armstrong, and raised a staggering $30,000 for the Australian Cancer Support Foundation. The event was a 5km walk in Coolamon starting at Kindra Park, and making its way to the Coolamon Showground, and a lap around the race track and returning to Kindra Park. This route was selected to represent the two community organisations where he spent countless hours volunteering.

Following the walk, a community event was held at Kindra Park which included entertainment and community awareness booths. The focus of the day was to raise as much money as possible for ACRF, which was well and truly achieved. Congratulations to the Armstrong Family and the Coolamon Lions Club.

Coolamon Shire Council also warmly welcomed three new Australia Citizens with Citizenship Ceremonies taking place on the day.