Australia Day celebrations in Coleambally and Darlington Point saw locals take to John McInnes Square and CWA Park in numbers.
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During the two respective ceremonies, a total of 13 award winners were named by mayor Ruth McRae and ambassador Warren Potent. A testament to the incredible achievements accomplished by community members in Murrumbidgee throughout the year of 2019.
- Coleambally Citizen of the Year: Monika Burgess
- Coleambally Young Citizen of the Year: Danielle Mannes
- Sportsperson of the Year: Pheobe White
- Coleambally Junior Sportsperson: Laura Mannes
- Sub-junior Sportsperson: Dallas Hickey
- Coleambally Team of the Year: Coly Bowling Club Mens' Pennant Team
- Cultural Award: Lucy Bolton
- Event of the Year: Toby Price Challenge
- Group Achievement Award: 2RG Sunshine Club DP Branch
- Darlington Point Citizen of the Year: Tegan Vollberg and Annie Mitchell
- Darlington Point Young Citizen of the Year: Shania Hughes
- Darlington Point Junior Sportsperson: Thomas Fattore
- Darlington Point Team of the Year: DPC First Grade Rugby Club
"I'm so glad to be involved this Australia Day, there's such a great community out here," Mr Potent said.
"I've been through this area a few times in the past, it's absolutely lovely."
When ColyPoint Observer asked the rifle-shooting gold medalist about advice for the up-and-coming sports stars of Murrumbidgee, Potent said to simply enjoy yourself.
"I always wanted to represent Australia in the sporting arena, but it took me a long time to find something I was good at," he laughed.
"Really, you just need to enjoy your sport and do the best you can."
Sporting Team of the Year honours were awarded to DPC First Grade Rugby League and the Coleambally Bowling Club Mens' Pennant Team.
The Toby Price Challenge was named Event of the Year, while Lucy Bolton won the Cultural Award for her achievements in dance.
Mayor Ruth McRae said she couldn't be happier with the turnout for the ceremony.
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"People have taken the opportunity to not only nominate people within their community for valuable contributions, but they then come and support them on the day," she explained.
"When times are tough, which they are out here in rural Australia, it's really nice to see people come together and celebrate all that's good by acknowledging those who have made a really positive contribution. We're all very happy about that."
In Coleambally, Monika Burgess was awarded Citizen of the Year, while Danielle Mannes was named Young Citizen of the Year for her outstanding academic and sporting excellence.
Darlington Point gave the honour of Young Citizen to Shania Hughes, while the top prize saw a tie between Tegan Volleberg and Annie Mitchell for their inseparable community efforts.
Committee chair Penny Sheppard congratulated the recipients and nominees.
"You have done yourselves and your community proud, it's a great honour that you have been recognised for your achievements."
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