Australia Day 2018

Part of the audience at the official part of the Australia Day
events in New Norfolk today.

A GENTLE breeze kept a lid on the forecast maximum temperature as Derwent Valley residents celebrated Australia Day on the Derwent Esplanade at New Norfolk earlier today. Mayor Martyn Evans said he thought the crowd was larger than usual, possibly attracted to the Colour Run which was being conducted for the first time.

One of the first events on the day was the annual fun run and walk, organised by the Tasmanian Road Runners with 5km and 10km events. There was no separate event for children this year, with younger runners encouraged to enter the Colour Run instead. Twenty-five runners contested the 10km event, with Mark Dooley and Chloe Eiszele the fastest male and female, while 176 people took part in the 5km event won by Nick Moles and Gabby Wilson.

Volunteers on the Lions Club barbecue.

Musical entertainment was once again provided by the Derwent Valley Concert Band and local duo The Sign. The Lions Club was on hand cooking a free sausage sizzle as usual and displays and activities were presented by groups including the Salvation Army, D'FAT, Community2Sea and the Derwent Valley PCYC.

An address was given by Antarctic expeditioner and researcher Ian Allison in his capacity as this year's local Australia Day Ambassador. Dr Allison said the Derwent Valley was one of his favourite places in Tasmania. He noted that many of the district's first settlers in 1807-08 were First Fleeters and this gave the Derwent Valley a closer link to the celebrating of Australia Day than most places in Australia. He acknowledged the history of all humans on this land for more than 60,000 years.

Deputy Mayor Shaw and Dr Allison.

Master of ceremonies Ben Shaw presented Dr Allison with his official acknowledgement of his service as the Australia Day Ambassador for the Derwent Valley and Dr Allison then assisted mayor Evans with the presenting of this year's Australia Day Awards.

Derwent Valley Citizen of the Year: Paul McMaster; Derwent Valley Young Citizen of the Year: Perri King; Derwent Valley Sports Team of the Year: New Norfolk Under 17 Women's Football Team; Derwent Valley Sportsperson of the Year: Matthew Byrne; Derwent Valley Community Event of the Year: Derwent Valley Suicide Awareness Group. No award was made in the category of Derwent Valley Young Sportsperson of the Year.

New citizens Well and Barbara.

Cr Evans said certificates acknowledging contributions to the Derwent Valley would be posted to:  awarded to: Allan Matcham, Sue and Warwick Evers, Matthew Hill, Michael Berry and Dean King.

Local residents Barbara and Well took the opportunity to be naturalised on Australia Day, becoming Australian Citizens. All others at the event were invited to take the Australian Citizenship Affirmation which was being conducted for the first time.

A purple patch in the Colour Run.

The final event on the program was the Colour Run, being held in the Derwent Valley for the first time. The activity emphasies fun over competition and has no winners. Participants are showered with colored powder (made of food-grade corn starch and dyes) at stations along the run.

Check back later for photos of the award recipients.