Brewarrina honours local achievers

Brewarrina Shire Australia Day Award winners with Councillor Angelo Pippos (left) and Australia Day Ambassador Emma Rossi (far right) – l-r: Citizen of the Year Douglas Hill, Young Sportsperson of the Year Ezekiel Hardy, Janalee Conroy representing the Brewarrina Googettes Rugby League team, Brad Steadman representing Young Citizen of the Year Christopher “Burra” Mchughes, and the Three Birds who won the Brewarrina Australia Day Award – Belinda Colless, Richelle Codrington and Ros Press (missing is the “the Bloke” Max Jeffery) Photo Suplied

The Brewarrina Shire Council’s Australia Day celebrations at the Brewarrina Pool acknowledged everyday people doing extraordinary things in the community and on the broader stage.

The awards were presented by Australia Day Ambassador Emma Rossi and Councillor Angelo Pippos. Ms Rossi is a former broadcaster who is now an advocate for advancing the status of women and children as well as issues concerning the mental health of farming families.

The Australia Day Award was given to Three Birds and a Bloke – four people making a difference in this drought stricken part of Australia – Belinda Colless, Ros Press, Richelle Codrington and Max Jeffery received the Australia Day Award for their inspirational actions, by encouraging and enriching the Brewarrina local community.

“Belinda, Ros, Richelle and Max made a wonderful contribution to the community throughout the year, facilitating many outstanding social and mental health events for drought affected families and the community,” Councillor Pippos said.

The Young Citizen of The Year award winner is Christopher “Burra” McHughes, who was described as a genuine asset to the Brewarrina community.

Christopher is no stranger to the Young Citizen award – he has won it twice already, demonstrating just how much he contributes to his community.

“Recently our country has been devastated by fires and over the past few months Burra was on the front line protecting our communities, doing his part to protect our beautiful country and its people.

“If the future lies in the hands of young men like Burra, communities like Brewarrina will flourish and move forward,” Councillor Pippos said.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.