COMMUNITY and sporting achievements were recognised in the awarding of Citizen of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year at New Norfolk today. Mayor Tony Nicholson named Jacky Whitehead as the Derwent Valley’s Citizen of the Year for 2009 and Stan Harrex as the municipality’s Sportsperson of the year. Councillor Nicholson also named the New Norfolk Rowing Club as the team of the year, in particular for the rare achievement of having three of its members selected to represent Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China.
The presentations took place during the local Australia Day observance which was held in sunny 23 Degree conditions on the New Norfolk Esplanade. Australia Day Ambassador Neil Roberts gave an often humorous address during which he reflected on his career as a sportsman, teacher, farmer and broadcaster, and what these experiences had taught him about citizenship, Australian style.
The mayor also presented certificates of achievement to Margaret Clark and Lexie Miller for their many years of voluntary service in various capacities. Lexie Miller struck a chord with the crowd when she mentioned there were no buses to New Norfolk on a public holiday and she had to impose on a friend to bring her to the town today.
