Margaret Tucker has spent a long yet rewarding eight years working on a project which saw the graves of 61 ex-servicemen marked.
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Theo Bollen researched World War I soldiers using Australian War Memorial and the National Archives over five years to see their names on Griffith’s Cenotaph.
Their work in seeing the recognition and honour of Griffith soldiers has seen Mrs Tucker nominated by herself as well as in a joint nomination with Mr Bollen for Citizens of the Year in Griffith’s Australia Day Awards.
“It definitely came as a bit of a shock,” Mrs Tucker said.
She said it the project was definitely a joint effort and it was a proud moment to be nominated alongside Mr Bollen.
“I guess with Dr Calaizis, we have done a service for the dead and he does services for the living, so it’s hard to compare the two,” Mrs Tucker said.
They come up against general practitioner Dr Peter Calaizis, who for years has been providing exceptional care and support to Griffith residents, and is the go – to doctor for many families.
Local sporting legends, events and projects have also been called forward for recognition for their valuable contributions to and for the community.
Council had no nominations for Young Citizen or Junior Citizen of the year, however Chairperson of the Australia Day Working Party Councillor Christine Stead said she was pleased to see such quality in the nominations received in the other categories.
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“Griffith is very lucky to have people who selflessly give up their time to assist others and help make our community a better place to live,” Cr Stead said.
“We also have a wonderful pool of sporting talent and dedicated club persons who deserve to be acknowledged.
Australia Day Celebrations in Griffith will kick off on Saturday January 26 at Pioneer Park Museum with the 31st annual Big Breakfast being served from 7am.
Griffith’s official Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at 9.30am will follow at Griffith’s Regional Theatre, with guest of honour, young inventor and 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year Macinley Butson.
The nominations for 2019 are:
Citizen of the Year:
- Margaret Tucker
- Dr Peter Calaizis
- Margaret Tucker and Theo Bollen – (Joint nomination)
Community Project of the Year:
- Griffith Women’s Shed
- Centenary Wall-Memorial Park
- Firefighter Championships
- Griffith Cenotaph - update project
Club Person of the Year:
- Robert Donovan
- John Bortolazzo
- Roy Binks
- Gerald Cox
Junior Sportsperson of the Year:
- Ethan Donetto
- Timeeka Coleman
- Marcel Zuccato
- Kahlan Spencer
- Christian Callcut
- Jordan Jasnos
- Abby Favell
Senior Sportsperson of the Year:
- Sharyn Millis
- Leticia Franchi
- Bart Brighenti
- Chaise Sergi
Sports Team of the Year:
- Griffith North Public School Boys Basketball Team
- Lake Wyangan School Girls Soccer Team
- Wade High School Under 15 & 39;s Relay Team
- Riverina Rhinos Under 13’s
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