Locals are being honoured on Australia Day tomorrow – Thursday – for their community service to our region.
On Australia Day, we reflect on our history. We respect the stories of others. And we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, its people.
We’re all part of the story.
For those in the Silver City who do celebrate the day, celebrations kick off at the Civic Centre at 7.30 on Thursday morning. Proceedings begin with a gold coin donation BBQ breakfast provided by the Lions Club.
There will be a flag raising ceremony at 8.30am, the city will also welcome 11 new citizens and also celebrate four of its most dedicated community members.
Dennis Roach, Margaret Pope, Lynette Smith and youngster Molly Molloy are the four awardees this year. They are are pillars of the community. In various capacities as volunteers, they are an integral part of what holds the community of Broken Hill together.
Mayor Tom Kennedy told the Barrier Truth, “Australia Day recipients are people who have worked tirelessly as volunteers over many years. There is also a young Australian of the Year,” Mayor Kennedy said.
“Without the volunteers, Broken Hill and all of Australia wouldn’t be as good as it is. And if we don’t acknowledge those volunteers, then it’s very difficult to bring new people in as volunteers.”
Say hello to this year’s Australia Day award recipients.
MARGARET POPE
Margaret Pope has been a dedicated volunteer with St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) Broken Hill Cadet Division since 2003. She serves as the supervisor of the AFLBH Jubilee Oval canteen and organises food and catering for various events, fundraisers, and camps. She is also known for her help in the community and has volunteered with the Broken Hill SES and the Lodge in the past. She is an active member of the Glades of Broken Hill.
Ms Pope has performed a total of 4887.15 recorded volunteer hours, and in 2022, led her fundraising team to raise over $19,000 for the Broken Hill Cadet Division. She received the St John’s Cadet Division Certificate of Merit in 2008 and Long Service Medal in 2020.
“It was a shock to me,” Ms Pope told the Barrier Truth when we asked her how she felt when she found out she was receiving an award.
“I was thinking ‘what have I done wrong’ when I received a letter from the mayor in the letterbox. It is just something you just don’t expect.”
DENNIS ROACH
After moving to Broken Hill in 2010, Dennis Roach has become a key figure behind the scenes for several organisations in the city. He has a long history of public service and is always willing to use his experience to benefit the community.
Mr Roach initially worked as the Executive Officer for the Broken Hill Chamber of Commerce and later helped to restore and reinvigorate the organisation when it was struggling. He has also been involved with the hospital kiosk and the
Community Legal Centre, where he has served as a board member and Public Officer.
“When I got the letter [notifying him of the award] it was the most pleasant surprise I have had in years. I am just chuffed with it,” Mr Roach told us.
“I’m not sure who it was that nominated me, but I am extremely grateful.”
Dennis has also assisted organisations in writing funding and grant submissions. He is a quiet and modest individual who always gives credit to others and seeks no recognition for his own achievements.
LYNETTE SMITH
Lynette Smith has been a dedicated volunteer in the Broken Hill community for over 30 years. It all started back in 1990 where she began her volunteer career at Broken Hill Base Hospital. Later Ms Smith would found and serve as the
Volunteer Co-Ordinator for the Broken Hill Diabetes NSW Support Group. A role she would continue for 23 years.
Lynette also served as a Legacy wife, assisting with fundraising, and catering for various events and providing a voice for women who may not have felt comfortable speaking up.
“I’m overawed. It is so nice to be acknowledged. But I am a bit hesitant too. I don’t volunteer for any recognition,” Ms Smith says. “I am really, really happy.”
Ms Smith has been the Convenor of the Heart Foundation Walking Group since 2003, and has volunteered at the St James Mart, Salvation Army Family Store, and St John Ambulance Broken Hill Cadet Division.
Currently, she works as a part-time volunteer with the Broken Hill Greyhound Racing Committee. Lyn has always been selfless in her efforts to help others and is highly respected by those whose lives she has touched.
MOLLY MOLLOY
Molly Molloy, a young leader from Broken Hill, has been nominated for an Australia Day Award for her dedication in the community. In 2019, 14-year-old Molly made 100 joey kangaroo bags to donate to RRANA (Rescue and Rehabilitation of Australian Native Animals).
Molly was a finalist for the Pride of Australia Awards. She has been a member of her school leadership team for many years and was the school captain of her primary school in 2020.
In response to Covid restrictions, Molly created an online platform for parents to engage with their children’s school assemblies and other events. She also improved her school playground by organising and purchasing resources for a mud kitchen and repainting one of the school buildings.
Molly also takes part in local theatre and musical productions, helps coordinate the Alma Swimming Club, and volunteers as a radio host on 2DryFM. She has been recognised as Cub Scout of the Year on a local and state level and is currently working on her Australian Scout Award.
“Volunteering is very important to me. I was really excited when I found out. I didn’t even know that getting an award was possible,” Ms Molloy told us.
Ms Molloy is a role model who always puts the needs of others first and encourages others to volunteer, as demonstrated by her commitment to Clean Up Australia Day and National Tree Planting Day. She was awarded Far West Young Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
PHOTOS: NOEL FISHER.
