Hard work, community contribution and peer advocacy were common themes among those nominated at today’s Australia Day awards ceremony.
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Almost a dozen Katherine residents were recognised for their contributions and achievements.
But it was a surprised Sue Pszkit – the coordinator of Kalano Flexible Care – who walked away with the Citizen of the Year award, and youth mental health advocate Mitchell Ford who was recognised as the Young Citizen of the Year.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to Katherine Isolated Children’s Services’ Playgroup in the Park, which brings Katherine and remote parents and children together for an afternoon of activities.
“Australia Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice to come together and celebrate Australia,” Katherine Town Council Mayor Fay Miller said.
“We acknowledge today the achievements of nominees, who are held in high esteem,” she said.
Today also held great significance for five Katherine residents who became Australian citizens at the awards ceremony, held at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre.
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They were among more than 16,000 people across Australia to be granted citizenship.
“Today is an important occasion for those who have made Australia their home,” Mayor Miller said.
She said despite the “bickering” that goes on Australia is a great country to live.
This year, a host of people who hail from Katherine took out awards.
While they didn’t make it to the Australia Day awards ceremony here in town, their achievements were well noted.
Also nominated for Katherine’s Citizens of the Year, Kate and Tick Everett were announced winners of the 2019 Australia’s Local Hero award.
Announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, the couple’s award is a testament to their courage following the tragic death of their daughter Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018.
Jimmy Forscutt, once the Mayor of Katherine, was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his long-serving contribution to the Katherine community.
Student Citizenship nominees:
- Michael Miller
- Nicholas Laurie
- Bronte Cavanagh
- Kirrah Struthers
Community Event of the Year nominees:
- Katherine Isolated Children’s Services’ Playgroup in the Park
- Katherine Museum’s Our Town’s Gowns
Winner – Katherine Isolated Children’s Services’ Playgroup in the Park
Young Citizen of the Year
- Mitchell Ford
Citizen of the Year nominees:
- Sue Pszkit
- Megan Cope
- Raine Holcombe
- Jay Fiso
- Kate and Tick Everett
- Patricia Elliot
Winner – Sue Pszkit
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