Music, food and mateship were on full display at the Federation Council’s Australia Day ceremony in Urana on Tuesday, January 26.
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A crowd estimated at 300 people gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of fellow citizens to their communities on the banks of the beautiful Lake Urana.
Rodney Dowling, son of Bpangerang elder Fred Dowling, delivered a touching Welcome to Country to kickstart the day which included flag raising, singing of the national anthem and the welcoming of two new citizens.
In his welcome address, Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke reflected on what it means to be Australian acknowledged the country’s rich history.
“On Australia Day we celebrate all the things we love about Australia; land, sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy, and particularly our people,” he said.
“Today we celebrate our people, the people of Federation Council who go above and beyond in their respective areas to ensure our communities thrive and grow.
“Our nominees are very special people whose donation of time and effort warrants this type of special celebration. The commitment to our communities shown by our nominees is truly heart-warming, and these people along with many others throughout the Federation Council region make me so proud to be Mayor of this great shire.”
Mayor Bourke said he felt privileged to honour the commitment and achievements of outstanding individuals in the Federation community.
“This is what today is all about – acknowledging our local residents who have made positive contributions to the lives of others, without asking for anything in return,” he said.
“It is a chance to celebrate the traits of humility, service, courage and selfless generosity that characterise so many great Federation Council residents.”
Mulwala’s Vivian Spilva was awarded the 2021 Citizen of the Year. Ms Spilva, who has lived and worked in Yarrawong and Mulwala for over 35 years, was commended for her generosity of spirit and tireless work on both sides of the border.
“Vivian’s sphere of influence extends to a number of organisations that she has founded or been instrumental in running. Her voluntary work beyond paid employment speaks volumes of her dedication to the community. She has given generously of her time, is a role model for others, and is a beacon of community service,” Mayor Bourke said.
Maxim Blockley was awarded the 2021 Young Citizen of the Year. The young Corowa local has served as both Deputy Mayor (2019) and Mayor (2020) on the Federation Youth Council, and was recognised for being a strong voice for youth within the Federation shire. Maxim also served on the Corowa High School Student Representative Council (SRC) for the last five years and on the SRC Executive over the last two years.
Cassandra Hughes of Corowa, Paul Carrol of Coreen, Kathryn Bruce of Savernake, Yvonne Smith of Urana, Wayne Lamb of Howlong and George Jenkins of Mulwala were the recipients of Local Achiever of the Year Awards.
While he couldn’t be at the ceremony in person, Australia Day Ambassador Chief Inspector Robert Fitzgerald, whose impressive career achievements were detailed in last week’s Free Press, delivered an inspiring address to the crowd. Mr Fitzgerald said Australia Day was about celebrating the nation, its achievements, and people. He also praised volunteers everywhere for their wonderful work.
Ellen Lions from Howlong and Myrna Sibayan both took their pledge of allegiance and were officially welcomed as new citizens of Australia.
Following the citizenship ceremony by Mayor Bourke, who is known to burst into song when appropriate, called on himself to introduce young Urana local Josie Gooden to the microphone to lead the singing of the national anthem.
The wording of the Australian anthem was recently changed to replace ‘for we are young and free’ to ‘for we are one and free’ to recognise and honour the long history of the country’s Indigenous people. It was the first occasion the amended anthem was sung in the Federation shire.
Earlier, Mayor Bourke welcomed State Member for Albury Justin Clancy. “Out of all the Australia Day celebrations in his electorate, Justin chose to come to ours and we are so pleased to have him here,” the mayor said. Mr Clancy said he loves getting out into his electorate meeting wonderful people as present at the Urana celebration.
After the ceremony crowds were treated to a tasty barbeque lunch, organised by the Urana community as well as live music from talented Urana guitarist and singer Mollie Waters.
Attendees were also invited to see the nearby, newly completed Urana Aquatic Leisure Centre building. Designed by Regional Design Service Corowa, the new building comprises three main areas all with glorious views of Lake Urana. An official opening of the building is scheduled for April this year.