On Thursday, January 26, the Shire of Chittering successfully hosted the 2023 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Awards at Muchea Hall.
The morning started at 8:30am with guests appreciating a sausage sizzle breakfast cooked by the councilors, and enjoying listening to fantastic music from award-winning local artist Ezereve.
Shire President Cr Aaron King and Cr David Dewar sent in their apologies as they were unable to attend.
Official proceedings commenced at 10:00am with Shire’s Deputy President, Cr Mary Angus opening the Ceremony and conducting an Acknowledgement of Country of the traditional owners of our land, the Yued and Whadjuk peoples.
Following the introduction, the Local Member for Moore, Mr Shane Love MLA, conducted his opening address, stating “as Australian citizens, we share a commitment to Australia and its people, and our shared values including respect for the freedom and dignity of others, the rule of law, democracy and a fair go for all. It is a day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.”
Cr Angus conducted the Citizenship Ceremony, and had the privilege of welcoming Judith Beggs – who performed her Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia – as a new Australian citizen, into Australia and into the Chittering community.
The crowd were all asked to stand and recite the Australian Citizenship Affirmation. Award-winning local artist Ezereve then beautifully performed the Australian National Anthem.
After the Citizenship Ceremony had concluded, the Shire then moved to the presentation of the awards.
Cr John Curtis presented Breanna Fox-Gray with the Year 6 Education Scholarship. Breanna was described “as a motivated student of the arts, always striving to excel as a performer in music, dance and singing,” and also defined as someone who “demonstrated all of the attributes of a positive mentor and role-model to fellow [Bindoon Primary School] students.”
Cr Carmel Ross presented Hannah Campbell with the Year 10 Education Scholarship. Cr Ross said of Hannah that she “is an exceptional role model to her peers where she has always shown active engagement in [Immaculate Heart] College events and activities.”
Cr Mark Campbell presented Ella Kitto with the 2022 Immaculate Heart College School Citizenship Award. Ella’s teacher, Mr Nino Raju, nominated Ella for the award, stating that she is “a committed, reliable and hardworking individual, who takes the initiative to assist her peers and teachers,” and that “she has demonstrated exceptional qualities in all areas of school life; whether it be in her exemplary community spirit, perseverance in her academic attainment or her commendable concern for fellow students.”
Cr Campbell presented Ava Young with the 2022 Bindoon Primary School Citizenship Award. The Principal of Bindoon Primary School, Mrs Amanda Robinson, nominated Ava for the award, and described Ava “as an exemplary student who always displays outstanding citizenship qualities of compassion, respect, co-operation, courtesy and kindness,” and as someone who “is consistently prepared to be of service to others and willing to accept responsibility, stepping up and volunteering when needed.”
Cr Kylie Hughes was invited to the stage to present the Active Citizenship Award, for a community group or event in the Shire of Chittering, to the CWA Bindoon Belles for their efforts in “constantly hosting events, encouraging participation and socialisation, for members of the local community to come together and form close bonds.”
The Freeman of the Shire, Mr Lee Martin, announced Zac Camiller as the Youth Community Citizen of the Year Award winner. Zac was described as “a well-mannered and considerate young man who is always willing to help out where he can.”
Following the Youth Community Citizen of the Year Award presentation, Cr Angus performed the presentation of the Community Citizen of the Year. Annie Hudson, Emily Rogers and Liz Coles were all finalists for the Award. Ultimately, Liz Coles was announced as the winner of the Community Citizen of the Year Award for being a “passionate, dedicated and inspiring community member… [who encourages] those around her to be more proactive in [the] community.”
The Shire of Chittering congratulates all of the nominees and award winners, as well as its new Australian citizen Ms Judith Beggs, and is incredibly proud to see many people in the Chittering community make a difference, helping make the region a better place.
The Award winners, nominees, new citizen and Councillors
Liz Coles receiving the Community Citizen of the Year Award from Deputy President Cr Mary Angus
Annie Hudson receiving her nomination for Community Citizen of the Year from Deputy President Cr Mary Angus
Emily Rogers receiving her nomination for Community Citizen of the Year from Deputy President Cr Mary Angus
Zac Camiller receiving the Youth Community Citizen of the Year Award from the Shire's Freeman, Mr Lee Martin
The CWA Bindoon Belles receiving the Active Citizenship Award from Cr Kylie Hughes
Judith Beggs performing her Pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia
Ella Kitto receiving the 2022 Immaculate Heart College School Citizenship Award from Cr Mark Campbell
Ava Young receiving the 2022 Bindoon Primary School Citizenship Award
Hannah Campbell receiving the Year 10 Education Scholarship from Cr Carmel Ross
Breanna Fox-Gray receiving the Year 6 Education Scholarship from Cr John Curtis