Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke made the announcement at council’s Australia Day celebration in Bangerang Park Corowa last Wednesday.
“On Australia Day we celebrate all the things we love about Australia; land, sense of a fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy, and particularly our people,” the mayor said.
“Today we celebrate our people, the people of Federation Council who go above and beyond in their respective areas to ensure our communities thrive and grow. Our awards nominees here with us today are very special people, whose donation of time and effort warrants this type of special celebration.
“I am so proud of our community and those in it who continue to go above and beyond in their respective areas to ensure our communities thrive and grow, especially in the midst of such challenging times.”
Dean and Lauren Holgate have been in business at the Lake Mulwala Bakery for almost 12 years. Mayor Bourke said the Holgates are among “the most generous and community minded people, they have devoted themselves to their craft as bakers and shop keepers”.
“They have a deep desire to serve their community wholeheartedly, not just to make money for their own sake, but to make a difference over all to the community.
“This couple is generous at heart and have made considerable contributions towards local schools, sporting clubs, the Lions Club, other local businesses and numerous community fundraising events.
“Their shop is a place where the community and local organisations gather for meetings, friends and family can get together where there is such a warm and friendly atmosphere.”
Lauren and Dean very much appreciate the support received from the public, “because without them it would not give us this privilege and opportunity to do what we do”.
“It’s definitely a ‘wow’ for us both as we never expect acknowledgment for helping anyone,” Lauren said.
“We live in an amazing community that we love to help and support. We have great satisfaction in making a footprint and will continue to do so.
“We have lots to be proud of in our local community - Tunzafun, football, netball, tennis grounds, golfing, bowling, fishing, our bike trail, Purtle park, our three clubs, amazing small businesses that surround us, our picturesque location of Lake Mulwala. It’s just such a great place to live and love being a local.”
Australia Day Ambassadors Ralph and Kathy Kelly, founders of the Thomas Kelly Foundation, delivered an inspirational address speaking about their eldest son Thomas, who was 18 years old when he died in tragic circumstances in July 2012, in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
Determined not to let a similar fate happen twice, the Kelly family of Sydney established the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation implementing the ‘Take Kare Safe Space’ (Take Kare is after Thomas Kelly’s initials) program in December 2014, with a vision of ‘ensuring all of our youth come home safely’. Operating Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm – 4am with teams of volunteers across three key sites, assisting people who may be intoxicated, or drug affected, under age youth, people who are vulnerable or those subjected to physical and sexual assault, self-harm, violence and theft. The Foundation works closely with emergency services, the liquor industry and local communities in order to share the common vision of saving lives.
The Kelly’s vision is to take kindness to every corner of Australia, something they are undoubtedly achieving.
Due to Covid-19, the formal seating area on this year’s Australia Day was an invitation-only arrangement. But many other interested onlookers made their way down to the beautiful Bangerang Park and loved the ceremony.
Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler was Master of Ceremonies and first up guest speaker was Rodney Dowling from Jerilderie with Welcome to Country.
“Corowa is opposite Wahgunyah which means home – looking over the river as ‘Wah’ is water and ‘Gunyah’ your home,” he said. “There was a river crossing here, it was made of rocks, they were removed for paddle steamers.
“My great grandfather is John Connelly (Korrimill) his brother is Yarramill better known as Tommy McRae, their grandfather is William Buckley the runaway, he ran for his freedom.
“He took them to sea, to see the ships sailing, he told them: they will soon land, make friends, show and tell them your culture. My great grandfather told them the stories and great uncle Tommy showed them with pictures.”
Rodney expressed his congratulations to all 2022 award winners and welcomed new Australians: “Welcome inland, your new home” then delivered a final message: “I can remember when I was a kid: when you go to Corowa be careful swimming in the river as there are snags, and don’t dive in, you might hit rock bottom.” A wonderful message which was a recent front page story of the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
Attendees appreciated the excellent free barbecue lunch provided by The Rotary Club of Corowa.
Simply superb was the National Anthem singing performance by Corowa’s Dylan Forge. The bagpipe player and former Federation Youth Council Mayor received a huge applause for his wonderful performance. Mulwala will host council’s 2023 Australia Day celebration.
