Australia Day 2015

COOLER than usual conditions prevailed for this year's annual Australia Day observance at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, today. With temperatures hovering around 15 degrees, master of ceremonies deputy mayor Ben Shaw kept the program running smoothly.

The Derwent Valley Concert Band performed, the New Norfolk Lions Club cooked a sausage sizzle, the New Norfolk Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Service gave displays, the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team and the Salvation Army conducted children's games and the national flag was raised by a cub scout and two joey scouts. The Australia Day Fun Run attracted a record crowd but the numbers are not yet available.

Award recipients at the New Norfolk Australia Day event.

Five Derwent Valley residents chose Australia Day for their citizenship ceremonies and an address was given by Australia Day Ambassador Robert Pennicott. A presentation was made to Mr Pennicott by New Norfolk Woolworths representative Maree Kennedy in acknowledgement of his service as an Australia Day Ambassador.

Australia Day Awards announced by Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans were as follows:

Derwent Valley Citizen of the Year: Kerryn Bone
Derwent Valley Young Citizen of the Year: Ellie Hayton
Derwent Valley Sports Team of the Year: New Norfolk District Football Club
Derwent Valley Sportsperson of the Year: Ricky Duggan
Derwent Valley Young Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Mann
Derwent Valley Community Event of the Year: New Norfolk Anzac Day Services

Community appreciation certificates were awarded to: Gwen Spinks (presented at Maydena), Denise Mills, Barbara Morley, Pauline Bryant, Jaidyn Daniels, Alice Clarke, Matt Byrne, Nathanial Graham, New Norfolk Can Hope Cancer Support Group, Derwent Valley Community House, Lions Club of New Norfolk, Corumbene Nursing Home, St Brigids Catholic School.

Check back later for profiles and photos of the award recipients