OUTSTANDING CITIZENS AND NEW CITIZENS RECOGNISED IN BLUE MOUNTAINS
Blue Mountains City Council recognised three local citizens for their outstanding contribution to the community and welcomed 24 residents as Australian citizens at the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held at the Blue Mountains Theatre in Springwood today.
The recipients of the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards are:
Citizen of the Year – Carmel Higgins
Carmel has excelled in providing service to women’s sport, devoting her time to coaching, mentoring, and running netball in the Blue Mountains for almost 50 years.
Young Citizen of the Year – Andrew Gunn
Andrew has given up his time to make sure the Blue Mountains community is a safe, fun and accepting environment for everyone, but particularly for young people. Andrew has been an active and engaged Blue Mountains Youth Councillor since the start of 2016. During his time as a Youth Councillor Andrew has provided great support for the youth congress ‘Project NOW’ which led to Andrew’s involvement in the Youth Summit Radio program.
Community Achievement of the Year – Springwood Foundation Day Committee 2017
The Springwood Foundation Day Festival is a long running community event that celebrates the Springwood’s heritage and showcases what it has become today - the 2017 event was a highly successful day with all funds raised going back into the local community.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “On behalf of Blue Mountains City Council and the community, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding local citizens, all deserving recipients of the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Award.
It is fitting that their contribution to the Blue Mountains community is acknowledged in the highest regard. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Blue Mountains and a better Australia.
We are lucky to have you as part of the Blue Mountains community and we thank you for all that you do.”
Twenty four Blue Mountains’ residents from eleven countries of origin become Australian citizens at the civic event.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “Australia’s evolving way of life draws inspiration from the whole world and our heritage is enriched by contributions from the many cultures that make up our society.
I am proud that the City of Blue Mountains is forever woven into the personal and Australian story of our newest citizens.”
The Mayor was joined by the 2018 Australia Day Ambassador appointed to the Blue Mountains, the Special Olympics Dance Group. The group was formed in 2006 and became Australia Day Ambassadors in 2007.
To date, the group has raised over $1.87 million to help with the growth and development of the Special Olympics Australia, allowing those with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in regular weekly sports and dance programs. The Special Olympics Dance Group leader, Mel Eustace, acknowledged the local award recipients for serving as inspirational role models to us all.
Photo: 2018 Local Citizen of the Year Award recipients:
- 2018 Citizen of the Year – Carmel Higgins
- 2018 Young Citizen of the Year – Andrew Gunn
- 2018 Community Achievement of the Year – Springwood Foundation Day Committee 2017 – Committee representative Kim Cowper
