DOING something to help others is the greatest reward, just ask the winners of this year’s local Australia Day Awards.
Kendall Riding for the Disabled was named Community Group of the Year at a gala evening in Port Macquarie on Monday. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator Garry Payne and local dignitaries presented the winners with certificates and medallions.
This was further reinforced at ceremonies throughout the Hastings including Breakfast at Pilot Beach early on Tuesday
The local RDA was formed 17 years ago and in that time they have provided a high quality service for disabled riders within the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie areas.
The RDA provides an enjoyable outing for disabled people who would never think they could be capable of riding a horse.
During the past two years the number of riders using the services has increased from 22 to 32 which is an outstanding achievement. 35 volunteers spend in excess of 150 hours each week keeping the service operating.
Port Macquarie’s Richard Grimmond is the Port Macquarie-Hastings Citizen of the Year .
“Richard Grimmond is the perfect example of someone who has given his time freely to his community over many years with his work with Lions and Apex. He is an outstanding role model and on behalf of our local residents, I thank him for his years of dedicated service to the community.”
Mr Grimmond is also a member of the Port Macquarie Historical Society and has conducted historic tours and given lectures on our local history, particularly during Heritage Week.
“I congratulate the Australia Day Sub Committee on its decision to award him the Citizen of the Year Award,” said Mr Payne.
Jessica Denham was named Young Citizen of the Year, Jason English was named Sportsperson of the Year and the Port City Breakers Girls TAG Team 2009 awarded the Sports Team of the Year.
“What impressed me when reading the Award nominations was the vital contribution that the people nominated make to our community.
“Like for example, the number of our young citizen nominees who serve on School Councils and advisory boards. The artists and sportspeople who inspire others to reach for their goals and the community service volunteers who give their time to improve the experiences and quality of life for those around them,” Mr Payne said.
“Everyone nominated are actively living the values of what it means to be Australian and on behalf of the Australia Day Committee I want to thank each and every one of them for their contribution to our community.
“It’s the efforts of people like those nominated and those award winners that inspire us to celebrate how fortunate we are to live in Australia,” Mr Payne said.
Among the list of nominees were Camden Haven identities: Alvena Ferguson and Endel Lane for Citizen of the Year, and Laurieton Public School student Samantha Kirkwood for Young Citizen of the Year.
Mrs Ferguson was nominated for her community work with a number of local organisations including the Camden Haven Arts Council and Camden Haven Music Festival.
Mr Lane was nominated for his dedication in helping promote chess, organising tournaments for primary and high school students for the past 10 years.
Miss Kirkwood, 12, earned her nomination for her academic and sporting achievements.
The Meeting Place Volunteers in Kendall were among the nominees for Community Group of the Year.
Nominated for Sportsperson of the Year was Lake Cathie’s Adam Taylor for his tennis achievements.
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