Venturing around the Barrier region on Australia Day, the Barrier Truth called into the Menindee CWA Hall with attendees singing loud and proud, “Australians all let us rejoice for we are one and free…” and although not girt by sea out here in the Far West of NSW, the Sunset Strip community enjoyed fun and games by Menindee Lake.
Menindee’s Australia Day Ceremony began with a warm welcome and lavish morning tea for attendees, with Central Darling Shire Council (CDSC) Operations Manager John Carleton presenting Community Service Awards, followed by Menindee CWA President Margot Muscat presenting CWA Appreciation Certificates to several well deserving locals.
The town’s 17-year-old Young Citizen of the Year, Jada Hogg, was not in attendance to receive her award, however she was acknowledged by Mr Carleton for her extensive contribution to the community through volunteer work.
Ms Hogg regularly volunteers her time at the school, on the local Land Council, with elderly residents needing support and tourists visiting the region, as well as through sports – knockout and rugby, also providing nursing services and helping at the local store. But above all of this, Ms Hogg received the Young Citizen of the Year award for being a role model for other young people in the Menindee community.
Mr Carleton presented community-minded local and grocery/take-away shop owner Petrina Williams with the Award for Service to Community for her generous involvement in the Menindee community over the past decade.
Ms Williams was acknowledged for her willingness to step up to cater for the community when needed for tourists, meetings, film crews, schools and community functions. Preparing meals for the elderly when the local Meals-on-Wheels service closed, and stepping up as the school’s canteen operator when they couldn’t find one are just two examples of the wonderful work Ms Williams contributes to the Menindee community.
A Special Recognition for Service to Community was presented to CDSC staff member, Jane McEwan, for going “above and beyond” and bringing joy to the people she assists as part of her role on council.
Adam Balloy accepted the Event of the Year 2023 award on behalf of Menindee Central School for their Carols by Candlelight event, which was supported by the Menindee preschool, school students and staff who set up, delivered, and wrapped up the fun, family-friendly event often in their own time.
The Barrier Truth’s next stop was Sunset Strip where we hung out with a bunch of very friendly locals for a bit of good ol’ fashioned Aussie thong throwing followed by a delicious barbeque spread put on by the Sunset Strip Progress Association before rounding everyone up for a group photo in front of a big Aussie flag saying, “Cheers!” to all Australians on Australia Day 2024.
