TOOLEYBUC youngster Ryan Domaille has been recognised in the Murray River Council’s Australia Day awards for his sporting prowess.
Seventeen-year-old Ryan was one of seven individuals and groups to be celebrated by the Council this week – as it announced 2022 award recipients – and took home young sportsperson of the year.
“It was really unbelievable to receive such a big honour,” Ryan said.
“My family are really stoked, too.”
Caldwell resident Kevin Barnes, who is involved with local organisations and the Caldwell Rural Fire Services, received citizen of the year while young citizen of the year went to Dottie Wilson of Mathoura and Heath Moloney of Moulamein received sportsperson of the year.
The Echuca Moama Apex Club’s Sunday Session at Kerrabee Soundshell won community event of the year, and Moulamein Community Development Inc. took home the award for community group of the year.
The ACRE Project featured at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery was also recognised with the arts and culture award.
Ryan received recognition recently with the McDonalds Colts Football most valuable player award for the Central Murray Football and Netball League, which he shared with Woorinen’s Matthew Gardner. Domaille was also nominated for rookie of the year for the league in 2021.
The Tooleybuc-Manangatang (TM) player has also been selected for every AFL Central Murray side since under-12s and has won multiple best and fairest awards for his TM side.
He recently won the U17 best and fairest and was the lead goal kicker for both the U17 and seniors TM sides.
Domaille was in the Bendigo Pioneers under-18 team in 2021, and although he will turn 18 in February, he may be eligible to continue playing for the side this year as he is set to move to Bendigo to study exercise science at La Trobe University. Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey congratulated the individuals and groups for their tireless efforts to better the community over what has been a difficult 12 months.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate this year’s award winners who are a shining example of how we can all have a positive impact in our community, no matter the circumstances,” Cr Bilkey said.
“There have been lots of people who have made some lasting contributions in the community during what has been another very testing year, and it is their efforts that add to the story of Murray River Council and make it such a great place to live.
“These awards give us a chance to reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.”
The awards will be presented at local Australia Day breakfasts on January 26.
