THE Balranald Shire celebrated its movers and shakers as well as up-and-comers in at its Australia Day awards ceremony.
Events took place in both Balranald and Euston on Sunday, with approximately 170 and 100 people attending.
Anthony Conway was awarded Balranald Shire’s Citizen of the Year.
Mr Conway and his family are long-time locals, with his father Leo Conway establishing Leo Conway Agencies.
Mr Conway is now carrying on the family business in real estate.
He is also president of the Balranald Racing Club and a board member of the Balranald Football Netball Club.
Balranald Shire Council Mayor Louie Zaffina said Mr Conway was a prominent and reliable figure in Balranald.
“He is always volunteering to help the community whenever help is needed,” he said.
“The residents really appreciate him for going out of his way to help.”
Cr Zaffina said it was important to recognise people who volunteer their time in smaller communities.
“It’s a great privilege for me as mayor to present these awards to people that strive to achieve in our community,” he said.
“A small community wouldn’t be able to thrive if it weren’t for community members who volunteer their time and make things happen.
“I very much appreciate that we have such great people in our shire.”
Hayden Valinoti from Euston and Luseane Havealeta from Balranald both received the Young Citizen of the Year award.
Cr Zaffina said he hoped that recognising young people’s efforts in the community would encourage them to be more engaged in their communities.
“Communities need the help of younger people because much of the volunteer-force is ageing,” he said.
“It’s really important that we turn that trend around to keep young people engaged.
“It’s also important that volunteers are available to continue organising activities children can participate in.”
Cr Zaffina said he was grateful for the help of community members for organising the Australia Day events in Euston and Balranald.
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers that were able to make the two events happen,” he said.
“I also have to thank Balranald Shire Council for funding the events because this is an important day that brings people together.”
Cr Zaffina expressed his thanks to this year’s Australia Day ambassador for Balranald Shire, Dr Benjamin Veness, for speaking at both events.
Balranald Shire Australia Day award winners:
Citizen of the Year: Anthony Conway
Young Citizen of the Year: Luseane Havealeta and Hayden Valinoti
Sporting Team of the Year: Balranald Cricket Club
Young Sports Person of the Year: Lucas Griffiths
Sportsperson of the year: Bec Harvey
Community Event of the Year: The Great Murray River Salami Festival
Special Achievement Awards: Lea Lawrie
