Bubbly breakfast

WENDY Hoskins was named Collie’s Citizen of the Year last Thursday at the Australia Day ceremony in Central Park.

Bright summer sunshine drew a big crowd to the breakfast, where they heard about Wendy’s decades of work with several organisations, including Collie CWA and Friends of the Hospital.

The Young Citizen award was shared by twins Alexis and Beau Milne for their contributions to the Collie Agricultural Society and Collie PCYC.

Community Group of the Year went to the Retired Miners’ Association, for its work in preserving coal mining history.

Donna Davies won the Environment Award for her work with Friends of the River.

Live music from Steve Sopolinksi and Brad Capper kept the crowd entertained while Citizen of the Year award nominees gathered on stage.

Elder Joe Northover gave the Welcome to Country, with a friendly dog joining in when he sang.

He spoke about the previous day’s opening of new campgrounds at Lake

Kepwari - one named after former MLA Mick Murray, the other after Joe’s late brother, David Ugle.

Tash Mellegers gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

2022 Young Citizen of the Year Liam Shepherd spoke about his continuing involvement with the swimming club.

2022 Citizen of the Year Mark Paget encouraged young people to get involved in community work, as he recalled activities he participated in as a child, with parents and other adults giving up their time to run clubs and coach sport.

“When I retired, I decided I wanted to give back to the community, and this is what I urge you to do, be involved,” Mr Paget said.

New Zealand-born Andrew Turanga, who has been in Australia for 30 years, became an Australian citizen during the proceedings, with shire president Sarah Stanley officiating.

Cr Elysia Harverson was MC for the breakfast.

Breakfast was prepared and cooked by the Church of Christ.