Citizens of the Year for 2019

Alesha Moles and Martyn Evans

FORMER Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans has been named the local Australia Day Citizen of the Year for 2019.

The award was announced by mayor Ben Shaw at the local Australia Day celebration at the Derwent Esplanade on Saturday.

Councillor Shaw said Mr Evans had been nominated for the award on several previous occasions but it had been deemed inappropriate while he was serving as mayor. Mr Evans retired as mayor in 2018 but was returned as a councillor in last year's council elections.

Cr Shaw said Mr Evans had a long history of community service, including membership of the Lions Club of New Norfolk and the New Norfolk Licensed Anglers' Association, among other activities. A keen fisherman, he played football with New Norfolk as a youth.

The title of Derwent Valley Young Citizen of the Year went to former New Norfolk High School student, Alesha Moles, 17.

Cr Shaw said Miss Moles was a Claremont College student who plays the trumpet with the Derwent Valley Concert Band, and the tenor saxophone at the Conservatorium of Music.

"She has recently travelled to Malaysia, and in 2019 will travel to Los Angeles with Claremont College, and to Ireland with the Derwent Valley Concert Band for the world marching championships," Cr Shaw said.

Congratulations Martyn and Alesha.