HORSHAM Rural City Council has announced its Australia Day award winners for 2017.
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The awards will be presented during Australia Day celebrations at Sawyer Park in Horsham.
Mayor Pam Clarke said Kingsley Dalgleish had been named the 2017 Citizen of the Year.
“Kingsley has made a significant contribution to the community over the past 40 years,” she said.
“He has demonstrated strong community involvement and is well respected among a wide range of sporting associations, colleagues, students and community members.
“Kingsley extensively participates in the development of sport for Horsham and the broader region, he has a great passion for his community and has been a volunteer member of many groups and associations over many years.”
Kara Johnson is Horsham’s Young Citizen of the Year.
“Kara is an enthusiastic young person with a genuine interest in assisting others,” Cr Clarke said.
“She is passionate about volleyball and has helped to grow and strengthen the Horsham Volleyball Association particularly with the development of younger female members through the association’s academy program.
“Kara has a willingness to encourage others to become successful and to achieve their goal.”
Horsham’s Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Horsham Arts Council for its 50th anniversary spectacular.
“The 50th anniversary spectacular in February was the first full production in the newly refurbished Horsham Town Hall,” Cr Clarke said.
“It was an amazing event with five sellout shows and 2500 people from across Victoria and interstate in attendance.
“The overall production involved 130 people, resulting in more than 80 people performing on stage.
“The Horsham Arts Council has a long history of providing spectacular musical productions and they have been a significant part of the Wimmera community for the past 50 years.”
Australia Day awards recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the Horsham community.
“These awards are an integral part of our Australia Day celebrations and I congratulate all of our award recipients and nominees,” Cr Clarke said.
“There are so many outstanding people in our community doing a great job to make our city a better place to live and it important that we celebrate their achievements.”
Cr Clarke encouraged residents to join in Australia Day celebrations on Thursday, 26 January 2017 throughout the municipality.
“Celebrations in Horsham will kick off with a free barbecue breakfast at 7am followed by official proceedings from 8am,” she said.
“There will be an address by Australia Day ambassadors Mark Stone and Diane James, a flag-raising ceremony, the National Anthem, an Australian children’s story and other entertainment.
“A highlight will be an Australian citizenship ceremony, where three residents will pledge their commitment to our great nation and embrace the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.”
Citizen of the Year – Kingsley Dalgleish
Motto – Kingsley Dalgleish: “Volunteering is the greatest form of democracy – I get to vote with my time for the type of community that I wish to live in”.
- Kingsley is recognised for his outstanding involvement and contributions in many sectors, including:
- Junior football at regional and state levels for 28 years
- Member of Wimmera Representative Team at Victorian Championships (football)
- Junior Football Development officer for the Wimmera regional for over 15 years
- Representative on the Victorian Country Football League’s junior board for several years
- Horsham co-ordinator and district manager of Auskick for 18 years
- Australian Football Coaches Association member
- Coach of a number of sporting groups (junior cricket, soccer, volleyball, softball) and football umpiring
- Various administrative and executive positions for a wide range of sporting groups
- Coach of Horsham Swimming Club at local, club and regional level for 7 years
- Chairperson of Horsham and District Relay for Life and representative of the committee at State summits
- Life member of Horsham Saints Football Netball Club and Wimmera Football Umpires’ Association
- Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia volunteer for 20 years
- Past President of Rotaract Club of Largs Bay
- Church involvement – Eucharistic Minister, Reader and Youth Leader
- Inaugural member of Wimmera Hospice Committee
- G’Day USA leader in 2010, 2013 and 2016
Young Citizen of the Year – Kara Johnson
- Member of Horsham Volleyball Association for over 10 years where she has held a number of administrative roles
- Advocated for the development of younger female members through the Association Academy Program
- Volunteered her time and undertaken many varied tasks asked of her
- Captained the team to achieve a silver medal at the Victorian Country Championships and was a member of the Western Phantoms State League team
- Was elected assistant coach of the Victorian Gold Team
- Has assisted with the planning of the Horsham Volleyball Association 40 Year celebrations
Community Event of the Year – Horsham Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary Spectacular
- The Horsham Arts Council encourages and provides the opportunity for people of all ages to follow their passion in the performing arts sector
- The Horsham Arts Council has received nominations and commendations from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for its past eight productions
- The Horsham Arts Council has been a significant part of the Wimmera’s cultural community for over 50 years. They have a long history of providing astounding musical performances