Head and heart: Rushworth community volunteer Michele Bailey with an Australian flag cap. She was part of the Op shop and Food Bank group recognised as the Waranga ward’s Community Group of the Year.
I love this town: An emotional Noel Mattei was lost for words, but was quick to say just how much the Girgarre community meant to him and that he hoped to continue volunteering for many years to come.
Australian story: Campaspe Shire Waranga ward Cr Adrian Weston shared the story of his family’s arrival in Australia, including that of his Polish-born father, who fled his country and made Australia his family’s future home.
Flying the flag: Tongala Girl Guides carry the Australian flag on to the stage at the start of the ceremony, with special guests forming an unofficial guard of honour.
Mick’s moment: Tongala-raised Campaspe Shire Cr Daniel Mackrell congratulates Michael Thompson after the work his Vietnam association did on war memorials in the town was recognised with the Community Group of the Year award.
Surprise: Jenny Reid (third from left in the black apron) went from standing on the sidelines as a Lions Club volunteer to being the centre of attention as Tongala’s Citizen of the Year. The announcement had been kept a secret, and, after the shock, she enjoyed celebrating with family, friends and long-time associates from the Tongala community.
Musical moment: Rushworth band assistant leader Mark Bray, from Kyabram, on the trumpet at the Stanhope Australia Day event.
Official party: Tongala Australia Day event master of ceremonies Robert Morton was at his entertaining best for the assembled masses, which included (from left) organising committee member David Simkin, 2022 Citizen of the Year Anne Church, Campaspe Shire Crs John Zobec, Colleen Gates, Rob Amos and Daniel Mackrell, along with state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and guest speaker Neil Thomas.
Holding court: Stanhope policeman Leading Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti speaks at the Girgarre event on Friday.
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