Eighteen citizens from nine remote Top End communities were formally acknowledged for their outstanding community contributions at Australia Day ceremonies across the Roper Gulf region this morning.
Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards were presented in each community, with a range of local events also formally acknowledged.
The Mataranka Dry Season Markets and Manyallaluk Church Group were among the winning events named this year.
While flooded roads proved a challenge in some areas, each community was still able to celebrate in a unique way.
Barbeque breakfasts, thong throwing competitions, a disco and a week-long fishing competition were among this year’s highlights.
In her opening address at the Mataranka Australia Day ceremony, Mayor Judy MacFarlane acknowledged local traditional owners and called for an inclusive approach to the celebrations.
“As we all know, January 26 marks a significant and defining moment in our nation’s history – a day which is celebrated by many Australians, but not by all,” she said.
“I’m sure it means something different to each of you here today.
“For me personally its a time to celebrate being Australian, and to unite as a community to acknowledge our outstanding local citizens.
“To those receiving an Australia Day Local Government Award this morning, I congratulate and thank you for your efforts.
“Each of you represent the spirit of community service and generosity that we so often see in our beautiful region.”
The 2018 Australia Day award winners for the Roper Gulf Region are:
Barunga:
- Citizen of the Year: Guy Rankin
- Young Citizen of the Year: Lyric Hearn
- Community Event of the Year: Roper Gulf Regional Council – Steam Train Renovation
Beswick:
- Citizen of the Year: Lorraine Bennett
- Young Citizen of the Year: Dunstan Weetra
- Community Event of the Year: Roper Gulf Regional Council Local Authority - Beswick Heritage Trail Opening
Borroloola:
- Citizen of the Year: Raymond Anderson-Mawson
- Young Citizen of the Year: William Radovic
- Community Event of the Year: Journey West Project – Bowarrala Aryah (Raymond Anderson-Mawson)
Bulman:
- Citizen of the Year: Ewen Martin
- Young Citizen of the Year: Annunciata Bradshaw
- Community Event of the Year: Mimal Rangers - Weemol
Jilkminggan:
- Citizen of the Year: Brian Farrar
- Young Citizen of the Year: Tomisena Duncan
- Community Event of the Year: No nominations
Mataranka:
- Citizen of the Year: Garry Willmett
- Young Citizen of the Year: Tom Rixon
- Community Event of the Year: Mataranka Dry Season Markets
Manyallaluk:
- Citizen of the Year: Ben Kleing
- Young Citizen of the Year: Vinita Willika
- Community Event of the Year: Manyallaluk Church Group
Ngukurr:
- Citizen of the Year: Bobby Nunggumajbarr
- Young Citizen of the Year: Matthew Rogers
- Community Event of the Year: Roper Gulf Regional Council Youth Reconnect Team - Timomatic Event (Youth Services Team)
Numbulwar:
- Citizen of the Year: Lathan Murrungun
- Young Citizen of the Year: Joshioyn Wurramara
- Community Event of the Year: 2017 Numburindi Festival
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For further information, please contact the Communications Coordinator on 0427 674 212 or at roper.governance@ropergulf.nt.gov.au