An all Australian car display will form part of the Australia Day celebrations in Cooke Park on Tuesday from 10am.
The Parkes Shire 2021 Australia Day celebrations will go ahead but with a difference to accommodate current COVID-19 guidelines and event restrictions.
This means the award ceremonies and gatherings will be scaled down versions of what generally occurs. There will also not be an Australia Day Ambassador attending celebrations. Instead, Parkes Shire Councillors and Australia Day committee representatives will acknowledge community members at a local level.
“This year it is particularly important to recognise the outstanding people and groups in our community who have positively contributed to the local culture, community and environment during the current pandemic,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM. “We ask that residents attending events please practice physical distancing, follow the NSW Health guidelines and stay home if you are unwell.”
Parkes, Peak Hill, Tullamore, Bogan Gate and Trundle will each hold their own Australia Day celebrations and community gatherings.
Australia Day Award Nominees
The awards are administered through a nomination program, with local selection committees determining the winning recipient of each category. Each nominee will be presented with a certificate at their respective community celebrations.
The nominees for the Parkes Shire are:
• Citizen of the Year – Ana Mill, Barry James Garment, Hedley Nicholson, Michael Lynch
• Young Citizen of the Year – Sophie Field, Nicayden Greenwood, Marnie Noakes
• Community Event of the Year – Art of Resilience Event – Sean Cassidy, Harry & Doreen Westcott, Parkes Garden Club
• Environment Award – Michael Chambers, Lachlan Valley Branch of National Parks Association
• Marie Bashir Academic Award – Channel Jones
• Performance Award – Duncan Clement, Parkes Boppers Dance Troupe
• Literary Award – Maggi Barnard, Margaret Irwin, Sarah Sal MacKean
• Visual Arts Award – Margaret Lewis, Parkes Paint REaD – Shonel Redfern
• Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award – Carolyn Butler, Cathy Acret, Douglas Richards, Jo Laurie, Margaret Tanner, Robyn Morrisey, Sue Smeaton, Warwick Tom
• Sportsperson of the Year – Luke Bevan (Rugby Union), Mariah Williams (Hockey), Kurt Lovett (Hockey), John Green (Golf), Billy Burns (Rugby League), Darby Medlyn (Rugby League)
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Jack Milne (all sports), Harry Yelland (Cricket), Maddie Spence (Cricket), Matty Price (Swimming), Abigail Simpson (Hockey, Cricket), Jorja Simpson (League, League Tag), Bayden Moran (Rugby League), Lockie Miller (Squash), Henry Kross (Squash), Koby Johnstone (Hockey)
• Team of the Year – Parkes Boars First Grade Rugby Union, Parkes First XI Cricket, Parkes High School Girls Tennis, Parkes High School Girls Cricket, Parkes Panthers AFL
• Referee, Umpire or Official of the Year – Jay Kross (Squash), Glenn Pepper (Cricket)
• Coach, Trainer or Manager of the Year – Jodie Turner (Swimming), Josh Miles (Rugby Union), Meghan Kempson (Soccer)
• Administrator of the Year – Jay Kross (Squash), David Cooper (Touch), Andrew Thomas (Junior Rugby League), Denise Gersbach (Senior Hockey), Dan Wilson (Hockey), Wayne Osbourne (Soccer), Adam Parker (Soccer)
• Long Service and Dedication – Alan Ryan (Rugby Union), Graeme Hando (Harness Racing)