The Australia Day celebrations were not a disappointment this year at the Bogan Shire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Locals braced the heat to take part in the day’s festivities.
The morning began with a free barbecue breakfast provided by the Council, and cooked by the Nyngan junior league club.
The official ceremony was underway at 9am with Bogan Shire acting General Manager Geoff Wise welcoming everyone to the day.
Sista Speak students from the Nyngan Primary School and the Nyngan High School led everyone in the Welcome to Country address.
Reverend Graham McLeod led the group in a prayer for Australia, which encouraged “tolerance and respect for one another”.
Mayor of the Bogan Shire, Ray Donald, used his address to talk about Nyngan in the past and into the future.
He acknowledged the two recent house fires and commended the town’s fire brigade for their work and appreciated the generosity of the community and their efforts to support the two families and their losses.
“I think that’s something to look at today on Australia Day … Nyngan’s generosity gives me something to be proud of,” Councillor Donald said.
After the Mayor’s address, Kyle Vander-Kuyp spoke about how sport encouraged him to be confident and take on new challenges.
“Sport taught me to take things on if they come in front of you, and if there’s an opportunity that presents itself, take it on,” Vander-Kuyp said.
He described himself as a shy person who lacked a lot of confidence and assertiveness, however with sport he was able to grow as a person.
“With sport I needed those qualities and saw them come out on the track and field,” he said.
He also discussed his background and described what Australia Day means to him.
“It’s celebrating all parts of us, all parts of our backgrounds and all of our identities.”
The awards were then presented by the ambassador.
Glad Eldridge was awarded Citizen of the Year for her service and involvement in the community.
The Young Citizen of the Year was Katie White.
Sportsperson of the Year was Jack Hargreaves.
The Young Sportsperson of the Year was Maddison Harley.
Sports Team of the Year was the Nyngan Bowling Club State Pennant Team.
Community Event of the Year was St Joseph’s School P&F Colour Run.
Maryanne Bourke and Amy Motley were the surprise winners of the lucky door prize.
The winners of the kids colouring in and poster competition were announced, and received their certificates and prizes from Mr Vander-Kuyp.
Glad Eldridge and Isla Ross were deemed the best bakers in town winning the baking competition.
Abigail McLaughlin and Katie Sinclair did a fantastic job setting up for the day, and it was a day enjoyed by everyone.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
