L-R: CCC MAYOR JAY SUVAAL, YOUNG CITIZEN ISABELLA METCALFE, SENIOR CITIZEN MICHAEL LOWING AND AMBASSADOR PRUE WATT OAM
Celebrating
THE GREAT AUSSIE SPIRIT As we go to print, we have just marked Australia Day. Whilst the date may have been a hot topic around many a BBQ on the day, one thing we can all agree on is that it's a day to recognise all citizens and their contribution to our communities. So while Dylan Alcott may have taken out the top gong on the national stage, it's also a day for recognising the individuals in our local areas making a difference to the everyday lives of our friends and families. Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of her outstanding and meritorious service to the museums and galleries sector. Lauretta is a highly respected arts leader, advocate, and advisor and sits on multiple Industry Boards and Committees for organisations such as Create NSW, Museums and Galleries NSW, the University of Newcastle, and the John Hunter Hospital. In Port Stephens, the founder of an online pen pal group aimed at combatting loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was named 2021 Port Stephens' Citizen of the Year. November Sheehan created the Facebook group Heart Letter Pen at the pandemic's peak to support elderly residents in aged care who were feeling lonely or anxious. It's since become a nationwide network. November was one of six community members and groups recognised at the 2021 Port Stephens Annual Awards, which was 42
held as part of Australia Day celebrations at Raymond Terrace. Mayor Ryan Palmer said the Australia Day event, sponsored by Terrace Central, was the perfect opportunity to thank local groups and individuals for their service and generosity. "There are people in our community who go that little bit further, give that little bit extra and inspire all of us to make every day better, and the Port Stephens Annual Awards are our way of formally recognising their amazing contribution to our region," Mayor Palmer said. "They're fantastic role models for our community, and it's an honour to be able to recognise their service."
Cessnock City Council hosted their 2022 Australia Day Awards at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and welcomed Cessnock's four newest Australian citizens while recognising the contributions made by members of the local community. Jordan Fallon was named Citizen of the Year, having dedicated a significant amount of time to preserving the local military history in the small villages of Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington, ensuring we remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Michael Lowing was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for his dedication to the Branxton community, while Cessnock's Young Citizen of the Year went to Isabella Metcalfe for her excellence in youth advocacy and leadership and extensive history of volunteering. Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said it was a privilege to be part of the awards and citizenship ceremonies and congratulated everyone involved. "We are so lucky to live in a community with so many incredible, community-minded people who make significant contributions to make our local government area a better place to live," Councillor Suvaal said. Maitland resident Melita Chilcott was named Citizen of the Year at the city's Australia Day Ceremony. Melita has been a resident of Maitland for 30 years and was honoured for her volunteer work with vulnerable community members, senior citizens and the homeless. In addition to her tireless work with the State Emergency Service, Meals on Wheels and as a pro bono wedding and baby photographer for less fortunate people in the community, Ms Chilcott has applied her TAFE qualification in hairdressing by offering her services free of charge to homeless and disadvantaged people
L-R: MAITLAND MAYOR PHILIP PENFOLD, CITIZEN OF THE YEAR MELITA CHILCOTT, YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR MONTANA DUGGAN AND JENNY AITCHISON MP
