Australia Day means different things to different people but that’s what makes it great, according to Miss Wagga.
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Sarah Navin spoke at the 2017 Australia Day Awards on Wednesday night, alongside other leaders of the region and joined them in congratulating the winners of this year’s stand-out citizens.
Other guest speakers included Wagga City Mayor Greg Conkey, Wagga MP Daryl Maguire and Wagga’s ambassador for Australia Day Warren Kermond.
This year’s leaders and legends of Wagga were announced amid Australian Army Band Kapooka’s musical presentations, inspiring speeches and a special tribute to Charlie Chaplin.
Meet this year’s recipients:
Citizen of the Year
AN integral part of the City of Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod, Dianne Jacobson has received the finest accolade for 2017.
Mrs Jacobson was named Wagga’s citizen of the year on Wednesday night for her dedication and tireless hours spent behind the scenes of the bi-annual event.
A volunteer for almost 40 years, she has played an integral part in the Eisteddfod as a dance convener, treasurer and life member, attracting more than 2000 people to the city twice a year.
Young Citizen of the Year
A bright future lies ahead for Wagga’s young hockey star, who was this year named young citizen of the year.
High school graduate and honours student Isobel Cowell was selected in the Australian All Schools under-16 girls hockey team to tour South Africa last year, while also completing the higher school certificate.
Walk of Honour Inductee
Wagga’s Mr Tennis fired yet another ace on Wednesday night, accepting the Walk of Honour award.
Jim Elphick spent many decades fostering and promoting tennis in the Riverina, he is the name-sake of the tennis centre in Wagga and has authored a book detailing the history of tennis in the area.
Along with his wife Mavis, Mr Elphick seeks to promote tennis for all ages.
Sporting Hall of Fame Inductee
Olympic gold medallist Alicia Quirk was inducted into Wagga’s Sporting Hall of Fame this year.
Wagga’s “Golden Girl” on Wednesday night joined the likes of Michael Slater, Terry Daniher, Sally Shipard and Steve Mortimer as one of Wagga’s all-time sporting greats.
Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award
Water polo chief Anthony Paul was given the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award after 22 years with the Wagga club.
Paul has been instrumental in getting major competitions to Wagga, including the state championships.
Out of the the pool, he has been involved with the Riverina Academy of Sport and the Sporting Hall of Fame Committee.
