Published on Tuesday, 26 January 2021 at 11:00:00 AM
Australia Day 2021 celebrations were held at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre on Tuesday 26 January 2021. Katherine Town Council had the privilege to announce its 2021 Citizens of the Year and officially welcome its newest citizens as part of the Australia Day Ceremony.
Australia Day 2021 provides an important opportunity for Katherine to reflect on the past year, acknowledge the community’s contributions, celebrate being together and being Australian.
Ten (10) new citizens were officially welcomed by Mayor Lis Clark. The Citizenship ceremony was a clear display of Australia’s multiculturalism with citizens originating from New Zealand, Philippines, Estonia, Germany, Mauritius, India and South Sudan.
Citizen of the year awards were presented, and the following were awarded; Community Event of the Year; Katherine Regional Arts – Junk Arts Festival, Young Citizen of the Year; Nathaniel Mackinnon, Senior Citizen of the Year - Valerie Smith and Citizen of the Year – David Reed. Congratulations to the winners and all those who were nominated. Thank you for the great work you do in the community.
Those who attended heard inspiring stories of two (2) Australia Day Ambassadors, Bob Shewring and Marg Chamberlain, both who have been connected to the Katherine community. Previous Katherine resident and Vietnam Veteran Bob founded operation “Bring Them home”, helping to bring home fallen Australian soldiers. Marg, a local Katherine resident and school principal has led the development for students with physical and intellectual impairments right across the community. Marg, is one of the top Para-swimming and athletic referees in the world, officiating at two (2) Paralympic Games. To read more about their stories click here.
Attendees also enjoyed entertainment by local performer Gyspy Schmidt, morning tea and a Hornet flypast thanks to Royal Australian Airforce.
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