90 become Aussies in Alice on Australia Day

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p2404 Oz Day 2By ERWIN CHLANDA

 

The rain held off, the Town Council opened its doors, the flag was raised and 90 people from 25 countries became Australian citizens. 

 

Among them were Wellington Daniel, his wife Egifa Dokwani, daughter Nakai Crystal Daniel and son Takudzwa Daniel, from Zimbabwe (pictured).

 

They received their certificates from Mayor Damien Ryan and Australia Day Ambassador for Alice Springs, Mr Allan Sparkes CV, VA, author and mental health advocate.

In a short while the 2017 Australia Day Awards will be presented to outstanding local achievers.
 

p2404 Oz Day 3These “leaders in our community,” as described in a council statement, are:-
 
Centralian Citizen of the Year – Andrea Mason
 
Andrea Mason is committed to generating just and fair access for Aboriginal people.
 
She has served as CEO of Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council since 2009. A relentless pursuit of equity is seen in her efforts as a leader, a policy maker, a social reformer, a negotiator, and an advocate. She has influenced significant positive changes in the lives of NPY women, and her achievements as a businesswoman have been recognised nationally.
 
Andrea is a shining representative of spirit and tenacity in our town.
 
Young Centralian Citizen of the Year – Cindy Uzzell
 
p2404 Gman CindyCindy (pictured with 2016 Central Australian of the year, Gerry “G-Man” Lyons) is a highly active member of the community, contributing as a volunteer, advocate and student leader.
 
Cindy makes significant contributions to numerous local organisations and fundraisers, and formally represents youth within local and Territory government committees.
 
She was selected to attend the Australian National Student Leadership Forum in 2015, invited to Fiji for their Forum Bridging Initiative in 2016.
 
Cindy is persistently and continually available to lend a helping hand to those in need.

 

p2404 Oz Day 4Young Centralian Citizen of the Year – Claire Ryan
 
Claire Ryan is the current secretary of the Finke Desert Race Committee, after volunteering for the event from a very young age. Claire is known for being a strong leader of volunteers, and is a key part of what makes the Finke weekend work.
 
In addition, she annually coordinates local charity events, and also volunteers her time to organise the Alice Springs Masters Games.
 
Claire is well-known for her enthusiastic contribution to the life of Alice Springs.

 

Community Event of the Year – Alice Springs Running & Walking Club Australia Day Fun Run / Walk
 
p2404 Shane CadanThis has been an annual event since 1988, one of the hallmarks of Alice Springs’ Australia Day celebrations.
 
In 2016 the event boasted 582 participants, from all ages, walks of life, and fitness levels. Bringing such a large diverse group together builds a sense of unity, a fitting event for Australia Day morning recognised by the Australia Day Council NT.
 
The initiative showcases the accessibility of healthy living in our community. 

 
The award was accepted by Shane Cadan (pictured) on behalf of the club. He is its president

 
p2404 volunteerVolunteer of the Year – Russell North
 
He gives tirelessly to Alice Springs. Despite health issues, he has maintained a contagious positive attitude in giving his time and energy to a great number of community groups and charities.
 
Russell (pictured) is known for being a community-builder; glue that sticks people together, connecting fellow volunteers with worthy causes. Russell is happy to lead or follow, always ready to motivate others. He  makes an immeasurable contribution to our community.

 

Centralian Senior Citizen of the Year – Geoff Sloan
 
p2404 seniorGeoff Sloan (at right) has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant in education and health, characterised by strong belief in equity and fairness.
 
While Geoff is no longer in paid employment, he continues to works tirelessly for his fellow Centralians. He continues to contribute to Northern Territory health policy, is an active member of the Connellan Trust Board, is the national senior representative to the Ministerial Advisory Council for Senior Territorians, a long serving member of Alice Springs Town Council’s Seniors Coordinating Committee, and voluntarily offers his time and skills to Alice Springs’ schools.
 
Geoff is regarded as a rolemodel among his peers, with generosity worthy of recognition.

 
 
 

3 COMMENTS

  1. A terrific celebration of the rich fabric and tapestry that is Alice Springs. Thanks for covering this in real time, Erwin.

  2. Good wishes to them all. Welcome to our new citizens and well deserved for our recognised people. Well done.

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