Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2020 at 4:39:38 PM
The Shire of York’s Australia Day celebrations for 2020 kicked off with a breakfast BBQ on the Forrest Oval at the York Recreation & Convention Centre. The change of location created a fresh atmosphere, and all agreed it was a most suitable alternative venue whilst the Avon Park redevelopment takes place.
At 9am York District High School 2020 Head Boy Josh Dillon, Head Girl Jamelia Ugle and Aboriginal Representative Jaylah Mogridge undertook the important task of raising the flags.
The formalities were launched by Australian Day Ambassador Priya Cooper OAM, one of Australia’s leading Paralympians. Winning 13 Gold medals and setting 6 World Records during her illustrious swimming career, Priya was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2015. Priya spoke of how everyone’s life becomes richer through acceptance and that each and everyone of us has the opportunity to have an extraordinary life, and if some people don’t have opportunity it is the job of all of us to ensure they do.
Cr Denese Smythe, Shire President and Chair of the York Honours Reference Group, together with Wayne Collins, Deputy Chair then announced the nominees and winners of the 2020 Shire of York and York & Districts Community Bank Australia Day Awards.
The award winners are:
York Community Citizen of the Year, Julian Krieg was nominated by the CWA York Branch for his ongoing contribution to the heath and welfare of the community of York and rural WA, through his involvement in Suicide Prevention, Men's Advisory Network, Rural Financial Counselling Service WA, Australian Men’s Health Forum, Curtin University Ethics Committee and as a member of a number of local advisory groups including the York Health Advisory Group.
Audrey Sole was awarded a special certificate in this section due to her outstanding contribution to the conservation and rehabilitation of Wheatbelt flora and fauna and to the regeneration and management of the Avon River and remnant native vegetation. Audrey was nominated by Helen Green.
York Community Citizen of the Year - Youth is Charlie Gaskell, Charlie was nominated for her positive role model attributes particularly in her sporting and school achievements. Charlie was York District High School 2019 Head Girl and was nominated by Rebecca Curtis, York Hockey Club President.
York Community Citizen of the Year - Senior, Elizabeth Parker is a life member of The York Society and the York Community Resource Centre. Elizabeth was nominated by Wendy Solly for her 17 years of continued service to both the York Society Art & Craft Awards and The York Photographic Awards.
York Active Citizenship Award (Community Group or Event) went to York Seniors Mobility Group who were nominated by Duncan Steed. The group was nominated for the years of commitment and dedication to creating active, healthy senior citizens through socially inclusive activities to a membership of 80 participants in the community of York.
York & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank Junior Sports Star of the Year was awarded to Cody Peipi, Cody was nominated for being a positive role model for others, especially in the sport of hockey and for players playing or aspiring to play in the goalie position. Cody was nominated by the York Hockey Club and has been playing with the club since he was 12 years old.
York & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank Senior Sports Star of the Year, Justin Smith was nominated by the York Bowling Club for his outstanding 2018-19 bowling year with a number of State Country titles and awards as well as winning the York Football Club 2019 A Reserve Fairest and Best. Justin was nominated by Pat Hooper, President of the York Bowling Club.
This year's citizenship ceremony welcomed 6 new Australian Citizens: 
Ms Allison HUNT
Mrs Marie-Francoise CARROLL
Mrs Michelle BENTLEY
Pietro VERO
Mr Alessandro VERO
Mrs Fabiana FIGONI
For more info please email: records@york.wa.gov.au or phone: (08) 9641 2233
SUZIE HASLEHURST
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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