Towong Shire Celebrates Australia Day Award Winners and New Citizens

Towong Shire Council, led by Mayor Andrew Whitehead, celebrated the outstanding contributions of residents during the Australia Day Community Award ceremonies held across the region.

The day was marked by recognising the dedication and achievements of individuals who play a crucial role in making Towong Shire a vibrant and thriving community.

Mayor Andrew Whitehead expressed his warm welcome to new citizens during the Citizenship Ceremony in Tallangatta, emphasising the honour of embracing individuals who choose Towong Shire as their home, contributing to the lively and inviting community.

"It is a special occasion to appreciate the remarkable efforts of our community members while also welcoming residents as official citizens. Towong Shire is fortunate to have dedicated individuals who contribute to the success of our region," he said.

Award winners across various towns were:

Bellbridge:

• Citizen of the Year: Hugh Hanna
• Community Event of the Year: Bethanga Recreation Reserve Committee of Management
• Certificates of Appreciation: Robert Medwell, Megan Medwell, and Sean Farrar

Walwa:

• Community Event of the Year: The Walwa Golf Club for their Australia Day three-person Ambrose 500 event

Corryong:

• Citizen of the Year: Glenda Habercht
• Junior Citizen of the Year 2024: Adele Miles
• Certificate of Appreciation: Edmond Barry and Melissa Rice
• Community Group of the Year: Playles Hill Project Group

Tallangatta:

• Citizens of the Year: Kevin Vance and Debbie Bonanno
• Young Citizen of the Year: Meredith Butler
• Community Group of the Year: Tallangatta Guides

Mitta Mitta:

• Citizen of the Year: Tonya Ellis
• Community Event of the Year: High Tea and Heritage Afternoon, Coordinated by the Mitta Valley Heritage Group
• Special Recognition for Community Involvement: Sam Beggs, Lawrence Hodgkin, and Len Coggan

Australian Citizens: Congratulations to Nycol Dorval, Bethany Hagan, Doris Juarez, Jose Jurilla, and Jennifer Robertson on officially becoming Australian citizens.